India has started exporting Made in India metro coaches to Australia and railway bogies to multiple countries, including the UK, France, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, showcasing the country’s growing presence in the global railway sector. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared this information in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
Expanding Exports to Europe and Beyond
Minister Vaishnaw stated that India is also exporting key railway equipment such as propulsion systems and underframes to several European nations, including France, Spain, Germany, and Italy.
“Today, from our country, metro coaches are being exported to Australia. The mechanical structure below locomotives and coaches, known as bogies or underframes, is being sent to the UK, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia. Additionally, propulsion systems—an essential component of power electronics—are now being exported to France, Mexico, Romania, Spain, Germany, and Italy. This is a matter of great pride for India,” Vaishnaw said while discussing the Railway Budget.
Exports of Locomotives and Coaches
Apart from metro coaches and bogies, Indian locomotives and passenger coaches are being exported to Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The Minister highlighted that the Marhowra Factory in Bihar will soon export over 100 locomotives, further strengthening India’s railway manufacturing sector. Additionally, forged wheels from Tamil Nadu will also be exported to international markets.
Bihar Factory Gaining Momentum
Vaishnaw credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reviving the Bihar-based locomotive factory, initially announced by former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. He noted that the project gained significant momentum after 2014 under the Modi government.
Indian Railways: Affordable and Safer than Ever
Vaishnaw emphasized that Indian Railways is committed to providing safe and affordable transportation. He revealed that despite the cost of train travel being ₹1.38 per km, passengers are charged only 73 paise per km, which results in a 47% subsidy.
Additionally, he noted that railway safety has significantly improved, with a sharp decline in accidents in recent years.
Conclusion
India’s growing railway exports demonstrate the country’s increasing role in the global railway industry. With continuous advancements in manufacturing and safety, Indian Railways is not only enhancing domestic travel but also making its mark on the international stage.
