Italian Precision For Vande Bharat: Hindalco Partners With Metra SpA For High-Speed Aluminum Rail Coaches

Hindalco Industries Limited announced on Tuesday (12 September) that it has partnered with Metra SpA, an Italian company, to introduce advanced aluminium extrusion technology in India for the construction of rail coaches.

As part of the Rs 2,000 crore investment outlined by Kumar Mangalam Birla, the chairman of Hindalco Industries, during the company's 64th annual general meeting (AGM) last month, the company will establish an extrusion press in India.

Birla expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Indian railways and the passenger coach manufacturing ecosystem for the ambitious high-speed Vande Bharat trains.

He stated that an investment of Rs 2,000 crore has been planned for the project, with technology partnerships in place to bring new extrusion and fabrication technologies to India.

Hindalco's strategy involves constructing a greenfield plant equipped with India's largest extrusion press to produce extruded products specifically designed for high-speed aluminium rail coaches.

The company plans to use over 20-metre-long extrusions for various purposes such as side panels and floor panels. These extrusions will be made using welding and machining facilities.

Additionally, the company is in discussions with multiple railway original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to supply the extruded aluminium.

Metra SpA, an Italian manufacturer known for producing complex extruded aluminium profiles, will be assisting in the production of large-size aluminium extrusion and fabrication technology for the construction of high-speed aluminium rail coaches in India.

According to Satish Pai, managing director of Hindalco Industries, this collaboration aligns with their efforts to enhance aluminium capabilities in various sectors, including commercial vehicles, freight wagons, electric vehicles, and passenger train applications, reports Mint.

The combined expertise of both companies is expected to improve the efficiency, durability, and sustainability of these trains, setting new standards for the Indian rail industry.

Metra's advanced technology and expertise in designing and supplying high-quality sub-assemblies for railways positions Hindalco as a key player in the development of lightweight aluminium trains. These trains not only improve speed but also contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions.

The use of aluminium enhances energy efficiency by minimising aerodynamic resistance, transmission loss, and wear and tear on the rolling stock.

Hindalco is fully committed to supporting the railway's goal of achieving net-zero emissions while simultaneously increasing freight capacity. In the upcoming months, the company plans to introduce three new designs of freight wagons that cater to specific end-use applications, such as bagged cement and foodgrains. This proactive approach aligns with Birla's vision for Hindalco.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor during the G20 summit has created a significant opportunity for rail-makers in India.

This multinational rail and ports deal, linking the Middle East and South Asia, has generated positive momentum in the stock market. If given the chance to participate in this project, rail-makers in India stand to benefit greatly from the increased sourcing opportunities.