Indian Railways, the country’s national transporter, has been heavily dependent on Russia, China, and European countries for importing forged wheels for its trains and locomotives. The ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and other factors have impacted the supply chain, causing delays in the production of Vande Bharat Express rakes. In response, Indian Railways has launched an initiative to manufacture ‘Make in India’ wheels for trains, reducing its dependence on foreign countries.
In this news article, we will take a closer look at how Indian Railways’ initiative to manufacture ‘Make in India’ wheels for trains will reduce its dependence on foreign imports and what the project’s implications are for the country’s manufacturing sector.
Table of Contents
Indian Railways’ dependence on foreign imports for forged wheels
Since the 1960s, Indian Railways has been importing forged wheels from countries like China, Russia, the UK, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Romani, and Japan. In 2022-23, 80,000 wheels worth Rs 520 crore were imported from China and Russia, with the remaining 40,000 sourced from SAIL.
Impact of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war on the supply chain
The ongoing Ukraine-Russia war has affected the supply chain, causing delays in the import of wheels from Ukraine. The production of Vande Bharat Express rakes was also hit, leading Indian Railways to explore domestic manufacturing options, including the production of ‘Make in India’ wheels for trains. This move not only helps reduce India’s dependence on foreign countries but also strengthens the country’s manufacturing capabilities and creates employment opportunities.
Indian Railways’ initiative to manufacture ‘Make in India’ wheels for trains
Indian Railways’ move to produce ‘Make in India’ wheels for trains is expected to strengthen the country’s self-reliance by boosting domestic manufacturing capacity. This initiative aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ campaign, aimed at promoting local manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign countries. Indian Railways has issued a tender for the manufacture of 80,000 ‘Make in India’ wheels per annum for the next 20 years, with Ramakrishna Forgings and Titagarh Wagons being the lowest bidders. The chosen bidder, Ramakrishna Forgings, will establish the manufacturing facility within 36 months of the award date.
Ramakrishna Forgings wins the tender for the manufacturing facility
Ramakrishna Forgings, the lowest bidder, has won the tender for the manufacturing facility. The company aims to set up the manufacturing facility within 36 months from the award date. According to Indian Railways, the price applicable will be reduced by 2% every year up to 3 years, considering the learning curve and economies of volume. From the 4th year onwards, the applicable price will be 94% of the quoted price, which is valid for the balance period.
Implications of the project for India’s manufacturing sector
Indian Railways’ initiative to manufacture ‘Make in India’ wheels for trains is a significant step towards reducing the country’s dependence on foreign imports. It will boost the manufacturing sector and contribute to the country’s self-reliance, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ campaign.
Conclusion
Indian Railways’ initiative to manufacture ‘Make in India’ wheels for trains is a much-needed step towards reducing the country’s dependence on foreign imports. With the establishment of the new plant for forged wheels, Indian Railways aims to meet its entire requirement of forged wheels for its locomotives and trains domestically.
For the latest news and updates on the Vande Bharat Express, we recommend visiting Times of India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason behind Indian Railways’ decision to reduce its import dependence on China, Russia, and Europe for forged wheels for its trains and locomotives?
Indian Railways wants to reduce its import dependence on these countries to ensure a continuous supply of forged wheels and reduce the impact of any geopolitical tensions that may affect the supply chain.
What countries has Indian Railways been importing forged wheels from since the 1960s?
Indian Railways has been importing forged wheels from the Czech Republic, Brazil, Romania, Japan, China, Ukraine, Russia, and the UK since the 1960s.
What was the impact of the Ukraine-Russia war on the supply of forged wheels to Indian Railways?
The supply of forged wheels to Indian Railways was affected as the import of wheels from Ukraine was delayed due to the Ukraine-Russia war.
Who has emerged as the lowest bidder for the tender to set up a new plant for the manufacture of ‘Make in India’ wheels for trains?
The consortium of Ramakrishna Forgings and Titagarh Wagons has emerged as the lowest bidder for the tender to set up a new plant for the manufacture of ‘Make in India’ forged wheels for trains.
What is the projected requirement of wheels for Indian Railways by 2026?
Indian Railways projects that the requirement of wheels will go up to 2 lakh per annum by 2026 with the induction of more semi-high-speed trains.
What is the capacity of SAIL and RINL to manufacture wheels for Indian Railways?
SAIL can manufacture 40,000 wheels per annum for railways, and RINL with a capacity of 80,000 wheels is yet to start regular commercial production.
What is the opinion of railway experts on the initiative to manufacture ‘Make in India’ wheels for trains?
Railway experts like Shri Prakash and G Raghuram have praised the initiative to manufacture ‘Make in India’ forged wheels for trains and have called it a much-needed step in the right direction.
Will the successful bidder for the ‘Make in India’ wheels for trains tender be allowed to export these wheels?
Yes, after meeting the requirement of Indian Railways, the manufacturer will be allowed to export these wheels as well.
