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Titagarh Boosts Rail Output With Pune Metro, Vande Bharat

2025-07-14

Titagarh Rail Systems is intensifying its role in India’s railway modernisation, with significant manufacturing activity underway at its Uttarpara facility near Kolkata. The company is producing lightweight metro coaches and preparing for the sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat Express, reinforcing its presence in the national transport ecosystem.

A standout project is the Pune Metro, which features India’s only aluminium-bodied metro coaches. Compared to traditional stainless-steel models used in cities like Bengaluru, these aluminium coaches are lighter and more energy-efficient throughout their operational lifespan—though their initial cost is slightly higher.

“The biggest difference for Pune Metro would actually be the material of the car body, which in this case is aluminium,” said Prithish Choudhary, Deputy Managing Director of Titagarh Rail Systems. The production facility integrates everything from car bodies and HVAC systems to propulsion units and cables. On average, each metro coach sells for around Rs 100 million, with EBITDA margins of roughly 10 per cent.

Titagarh is also preparing for the rollout of Vande Bharat’s sleeper variant, with a prototype expected soon and launch targeted for next year.

The firm’s order book stands at about 11,000 wagons, reflecting robust demand from Indian Railways. With the addition of a new wheel manufacturing facility and a strong focus on localisation and timely execution, Titagarh is positioning itself as a crucial player in India’s rail infrastructure growth.

As government capital expenditure on railways continues to increase, private manufacturers like Titagarh Rail Systems are set to play a defining role in advancing India’s mobility and transport efficiency.