BEML partners with SMH Rail to expand global rail and metro solutions

BEML Ltd., India’s leading rolling stock manufacturer, has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SMH Rail, Malaysia’s largest rolling stock manufacturer. The agreement was formalized during a ceremony in Delhi, attended by Tengku Zafrul B Tengku Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of International Trade and Industry. This landmark partnership aims to meet the growing global demand for advanced rail and metro rolling stock, marking a historic collaboration between India and Malaysia.

Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Rail and Metro Infrastructure

The MoU between BEML and SMH Rail represents a strategic effort to enhance their capabilities in the global rail and metro market. This collaboration will focus on the marketing, supply, and servicing of rail and metro rolling stock products, with a significant emphasis on expanding their reach in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

Under this agreement, BEML and SMH Rail will combine their expertise in marketing, manufacturing, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Both companies will engage in joint design, engineering, and manufacturing of rolling stock, ensuring that products meet specific client requirements. Additionally, the partnership will involve sourcing rolling stock aggregates and subsystems, developing effective strategies, and exchanging technology to enhance operational efficiency.

Shri Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its importance in addressing the rising global demand for urban mobility solutions. Roy noted that the collaboration will significantly contribute to improving rail and metro infrastructure in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

SMH Rail’s Perspective on the Collaboration

Datuk PK Nara, Chairman and Managing Director of SMH Rail, underscored the significance of the Indian market for SMH Rail and Malaysia. He pointed out that the partnership with BEML would enable the development of innovative rolling stock solutions, catering to the expanding public transport sector in both countries. Nara emphasized that the collaboration would facilitate cost optimization through joint research and development, ultimately benefiting the rail and metro industries.

BEML’s Expanding Global Footprint

This MoU aligns with BEML’s ongoing strategy to bolster its global presence and address the increasing demand for advanced rail and metro solutions. Established in 1964, BEML has become a prominent player in the global rail market, exporting to over 72 countries. The company is renowned for its contributions to India’s rail infrastructure, including the production of all-steel integral passenger rail coaches and other rolling stock for Indian Railways.

BEML’s Rail Coach Factory in Bangalore, founded in 1948, was India’s first all-steel integrated rail coach factory. It has manufactured and supplied over 18,000 mainline passenger coaches and more than 900 Electrical Multiple Units (EMUs) for Indian Railways. The company is also recognized for its achievements in the metro sector, having pioneered the manufacture of stainless-steel metro cars and indigenously designed driverless metro cars.

As of July 2024, BEML has delivered over 2,000 metro coaches to various Indian Metro Corporations, including those in Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Mumbai. The company is also preparing to launch the nation’s first prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train, further demonstrating its commitment to innovation in rail transport.

A Major Milestone for Global Rail and Metro Solutions

The MoU with SMH Rail represents a significant milestone in BEML’s mission to drive global growth and innovation in the rail and metro industries. This partnership not only strengthens the bilateral ties between India and Malaysia but also positions both companies to meet the evolving needs of the global rail market with advanced and sustainable solutions.

SMH Rail, headquartered in Malaysia, is a leading player in the rail industry, known for its extensive experience in the manufacturing and servicing of rolling stock. The company has a robust track record in delivering high-quality rail solutions and is recognized for its technological advancements and innovation in the sector.