Major milestone: Titagarh Rail Systems ships first traction converters to Italy—What this means for India!

Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) has marked a significant milestone with the successful export of traction converters to Italy. The inaugural shipment, comprising eight converters, was dispatched to Titagarh Firema S.p.A (Titagarh Firema) on July 19, 2024. This export is part of a substantial EUR 7.18 million order, highlighting the burgeoning collaboration between India and Italy in the railway manufacturing sector.

The shipment is a part of a larger contract between Titagarh Rail Systems and Titagarh Firema. Titagarh Firema, an Italian rail manufacturer, had secured an order from Regione Lazio, Italy, for the design, manufacture, and supply of 38 trainsets valued at approximately EUR 276 million. These trainsets will operate at varying voltages, with the Lazio Viterbo line running at 3 kV and the Lazio Lido line at 1.5 kV.

TRSL will provide traction converters for the first batch of 11 trains. The plan involves a monthly shipment of two trainsets, each comprising eight converters, to fulfil the contract. This initiative not only underscores the successful integration of Indian manufacturing capabilities with European technological expertise but also sets a precedent for future collaborations.

The Passenger Rolling Stock Facility of Titagarh Rail Systems in Uttarpara, India, has recently commenced production of these converters. The facility currently boasts a manufacturing capacity of 25 converters per month, with plans to scale up to 50 converters per month. This expansion includes Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) and Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) converters.

Shri Prithish Chowdhary, Deputy Managing Director of Titagarh Rail Systems, emphasized that this achievement reflects the company’s dedication to quality and innovation. He stated that it aligns with Titagarh’s vision to transform India into a global manufacturing hub for railway systems, contributing towards the broader goal of a “Viksit Bharat” or Developed India.

Luigi Traettino, President of Titagarh Firema, expressed satisfaction with the successful delivery of converters from India. He highlighted the shipment as a testament to the robust Indo-Italian partnership and expressed eagerness to explore further synergies to enhance the relationship.

Vijay Subramanian, CEO of Titagarh Firema, noted that the Lazio project is highly prestigious. He conveyed pride in receiving critical components from Indian colleagues and anticipated continued collaboration to deliver high-quality, cost-effective systems to their clients.

The successful export of traction converters marks the first such initiative from India to Titagarh Firema and sets a promising precedent for future projects. Titagarh Rail Systems, with its state-of-the-art facilities in both India and Italy, continues to drive innovation in transportation solutions. The company is committed to enhancing its product offerings and contributing to the global transportation landscape.

This export initiative highlights the strategic importance of international partnerships in advancing technology and manufacturing capabilities. It reflects the growing global recognition of Indian manufacturing prowess and the potential for further expansion in international markets.