Vadodara, Gujarat: In a significant boost to India’s rail manufacturing ambitions, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed the operations of Alstom’s Savli facility in Vadodara. The visit underlined India’s rapid ascent as a global exporter of railway technology—bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems—under the flagship ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ campaign.
He praised Alstom’s customised production approach and encouraged Indian Railways to adopt similar practices. Mr. Vaishnaw also proposed a joint training initiative between Alstom, Indian Railways, and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya. He further suggested that General Managers from all Production Units undergo exposure visits to the Savli facility.
Export Powerhouse Driving Global Rail Projects
The Savli facility, a cornerstone of India’s rail export strategy, has become a global hub for advanced commuter and transit train cars. With over 3,400 Indian engineers collaborating across 21 Alstom sites worldwide, the facility embodies manufacturing excellence rooted in local innovation.
Since 2016, India has exported over 1,000 rail cars for international projects. Notably, 450 rail cars built at Savli were shipped to Australia for the Queensland Metro. In addition, more than 3,800 bogies have been exported to Germany, Egypt, Sweden, Australia, and Brazil. Over 4,000 flatpacks have been delivered to Vienna, Austria.
Alstom’s Maneja unit has added to the momentum, exporting over 5,000 propulsion systems to countries involved in global mobility solutions.
Signal to the World: India’s Tech Edge in Railways
Beyond physical components, India is a leading player in global railway signalling. Currently, 27 international signalling projects are being led from India, with support extended to 40 more. Bangalore’s Digital Experience Centre supports over 120 global projects by leveraging cutting-edge tech such as IoT, AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity.
This tech-forward approach is reinforcing India’s position as a preferred partner in next-generation railway systems.
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Indian Rail Products Now Reach 20+ Nations
Indian-made metro coaches are being used in Australia and Canada. Bogies have found their way to the UK, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia. Propulsion systems now power trains in France, Mexico, Romania, Spain, Germany, and Italy. Passenger coaches have been delivered to Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Locomotives have been exported to countries like Mozambique, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and the Republic of Guinea.
Local Industry Gets a Major Economic Push
The railway export ecosystem has spurred growth for local suppliers around Savli. Companies such as Integra, Anovi, Hind Rectifier, Hitachi Energy, and ABB now play a vital role in delivering global-grade rail systems—specialising in fabrication, interiors, and high-end electricals.
Make in India: Real Outcomes, Real Jobs
Interacting with media, Minister Vaishnaw stated that the effects of the “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative are clearly visible. He stressed that the export boom is generating high-quality employment and equipping Indian engineers with global expertise.
He termed this as a critical milestone for the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, signalling India’s readiness to lead in global railway innovation and manufacturing.
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