The Indian rolling stock market has witnessed impressive growth in recent years. This rapid expansion is driven by the commissioning of new metro lines and a surge in demand from operational systems. As the economy continues to flourish, so does the reliance on urban transit, making it imperative for the government to ensure seamless and efficient transportation for its citizens.
Earlier, metro trains focused on basic functionality, aiming to carry people from one place to another. However, modern rolling stock now incorporates lightweight materials such as stainless steel and aluminium, boosting both durability and sustainability. Over time, advanced safety features have been integrated to ensure smoother and more secure travel experiences. Additionally, the introduction of driverless trains represents a significant leap towards the future of urban transit, paving the way for more efficient and innovative transportation systems.
Emerging trends in rolling stock
Greater focus on domestic production
The government has been making significant efforts to boost indigenous production through the Make in India initiative. This push has resulted in stipulations within contracts that mandate a maximum cap of 25 per cent of rolling stock that can be manufactured outside the country, prompting foreign companies such as Bombardier (Germany) and Alstom (France) to establish their manufacturing units in India. As a result, India has been successful in developing several key technologies domestically. For instance, the Delhi metro network has deployed technologies such as the indigenous automatic train supervision signalling system, which is a universal system that monitors and controls the rail system to ensure that it operates according to a schedule and traffic pattern, and the supervisory control and data acquisition system for asset management. Further, indigenous platform screen doors are also being installed in the upcoming Delhi-Meerut regional rapid transit system.
Several companies, including Alstom, Titagarh Rail Systems Limited and BEML Limited, are currently manufacturing coaches in India, while other companies such as Knorr-Bremse AG, Faiveley Transport, Autometers Alliance Limited and ABB Limited have started producing various metro components domestically. Recently, in September 2024, Alstom delivered the first metropolis metro train for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Phase IV project, which was manufactured at its facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. These fully made-in-India trains are designed to reach speeds of up to 95 kmph, with an operational speed of 85 kmph, and are equipped with grade of automation (GOA) 4 driverless technology. The development of indigenous capabilities has significantly reduced the reliance on foreign vendors, which previously dominated the market for rolling stock, signalling and telecom systems, electrical components and civil engineering structures.
The first Vande metro
The introduction of the country’s first Vande metro train sets, now branded as the “Namo Bharat Rapid Rail”, marks a significant upgrade for India’s metro rail network. These new train sets provide an intercity travel option. This became operational between Bhuj and Ahmedabad on September 16, 2024 and covers around 350 km. Currently, for cities that are 100-300 km apart, travel options are limited, with people often relying on personal vehicles or public buses. Building traditional metro systems or rapid transit infrastructure requires substantial investment and land acquisition, making it a challenging task for providing intercity travel services. However, the Vande metro trains offer a more efficient alternative, as they can run on existing railway tracks and utilise existing stations, marking the beginning of an era.
Increased digital deployments
In terms of technological evolution, one significant trend is the deployment of driverless technology in India’s metro rail networks. Recently, in July 2024, Delhi metro’s Magenta Line became the country’s first fully unmanned train network. However, an attendant is available in the metro after every three to four trains, but they are expected to be removed gradually. Further, Alstom has begun the production of the latest driverless train sets at Alstom’s facility in Sri City for the Chennai Metro. Similarly, BEML has started the manufacture of prototype driverless trains for Namma Metro’s Blue and Pink Lines in Bengaluru. The manufacturer will design, manufacture, supply, install, test and commission 318 coaches (53 train sets) and provide comprehensive maintenance services for up to 15 years. All trains are expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.
Further, the new and advanced condition monitoring systems also play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and safety of modern urban rail networks. These systems provide real-time data on various critical aspects, including track condition, overhead catenary inspection and the performance of key components like the pantograph and axle bearings. For instance, track surface defects and visual inspections are closely monitored, while overhead equipment systems are assessed for current collection efficiency and interaction force. Additionally, advanced technologies such as automated wheel profile measurement and pantograph condition monitoring further enhance the operational safety.
Sustainability initiatives in rolling stock
In addition to technological upgrades, the Indian rolling stock market has made advancements in terms of sustainability. The Kolkata metro has opted to use composite aluminium third rails for all upcoming corridors and retrofit existing ones. This shift is expected to improve energy efficiency by reducing resistive current loss, thereby increasing traction voltage levels. The adoption of these sustainable technologies aligns with India’s broader goal of reducing the carbon footprint in urban transit systems.
Another key development is the launch of the country’s first aluminium-body metro train, manufactured by Titagarh Wagons for the Pune metro rail project. These lightweight aluminium coaches, which contain over 70 per cent indigenous components, are designed to be more energy efficient and have the ability to regenerate up to 30 per cent of the energy consumed during operation. This innovation not only results in a significant reduction in operational costs but also promotes India’s commitment to sustainability.
Challenges in the rolling stock sector
Despite these advancements, the rolling stock segment for urban mass transit systems faces several critical challenges that could hinder its development. One of the major issues is the lack of alignment between the scope and definition of rolling stock, which can result in delays and inefficiencies in the execution of projects. Additionally, there is a shortage of testing and certification services within India, which leads to reliance on external agencies for safety and performance validation. This reliance not only delays project timelines but also increases costs.
Furthermore, the adoption of advanced technologies by local industries has been slower than expected, limiting the ability to fully leverage these innovations. As a result, there is still a heavy dependence on imported technologies, particularly for critical components, despite ongoing efforts towards indigenisation.
The way forward
Moving ahead, the future of India’s metro rail rolling stock market will depend on strategic advancements in innovation, indigenisation and capacity building. A key priority will be the seamless integration of rolling stock with signalling and telecommunications systems, which will result in a reduction in delays and inefficiencies caused by misalignment. Another critical area to consider is the establishment of robust testing and certification services within the country, which will reduce dependence on foreign agencies, accelerate deployment timelines and ensure adherence to global safety standards.
Additionally, investing in specialised training for maintenance personnel and building robust infrastructure to service high-tech systems will ensure the long-term serviceability and reliability of advanced rolling stock. Encouraging greater technology adoption by local industries through initiatives such as Make in India will also foster a more self-reliant ecosystem, reducing the dependency on foreign technologies and promoting sustainable innovation.
With strong government support and continued collaboration between domestic manufacturers and international firms, India is well positioned to become a global hub for urban transit solutions. This transformation will pave the way for a future of more efficient, sustainable and technologically advanced urban rail systems, placing India at the forefront of the global rolling stock market.