Titagarh Rail Systems revamps leadership and expands into shipbuilding and rail safety

Titagarh Rail Systems Limited has announced a major restructuring of its leadership team alongside the launch of two new business divisions. The company, a key manufacturer of passenger and freight rolling stock, has introduced Shipbuilding and Maritime Systems (SMS) and Safety and Signaling Systems (SSS) to drive growth in India’s rapidly expanding rail and maritime industries. This strategic transformation aligns with the Indian government’s push for self-reliance in infrastructure development, reinforcing the national “Atmanirbharta” initiative.

With a strong demand for advanced safety signaling solutions and increased investment in shipbuilding, Titagarh is positioning itself as a key player in both segments. The company’s expansion strategy is designed to meet evolving industry requirements while leveraging its expertise in manufacturing and engineering. These newly created verticals will focus on strengthening India’s railway safety standards and enhancing the country’s shipbuilding capabilities, both of which are critical to national economic and security goals.

What are Titagarh’s plans for shipbuilding expansion?

Titagarh Rail Systems has an established presence in shipbuilding, having previously delivered vessels for the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and international clients. The company has been involved in manufacturing specialized vessels, including a Fast Patrol Vessel for the Indian Coast Guard, a passenger ferry for Guyana, and coastal research vessels such as Sagar Tara and Sagar Anveshika. With an already approved shipyard for warship construction, Titagarh is now looking to expand its capabilities further.

The company plans to enhance its shipbuilding growth strategy by increasing production capacity, investing in larger shipyards, and incorporating advanced naval technologies. This expansion will support the Indian government’s shipbuilding financial assistance policy and the newly established Maritime Development Fund, both of which are designed to promote domestic shipbuilding.

To lead this initiative, Titagarh has appointed Saket Kandoi as the CEO of the Shipbuilding and Maritime Systems (SMS) division. Previously the Chief Operating Officer of the Freight Rail Systems division, Kandoi will oversee efforts to strengthen India’s position as a global leader in ship manufacturing. He emphasized that India’s shipbuilding industry is on the brink of significant expansion, driven by increased government investments and policy reforms. Under his leadership, Titagarh will work towards building world-class facilities, forming strategic partnerships, and leveraging state-of-the-art technology to position India as a major player in maritime manufacturing.

How is Titagarh improving railway safety and signaling technology?

With rail safety emerging as a top priority for Indian Railways, Titagarh has launched the Safety and Signaling Systems (SSS) division to develop advanced rail safety technologies. This new vertical will focus on train control systems, asset condition monitoring, and train-mounted safety technologies, ensuring improved operational efficiency and passenger security. The company’s long-standing expertise in railway engineering provides a strong foundation for this initiative.

Titagarh has already established a joint venture with MERMEC of Italy, a globally recognized leader in railway signaling and safety technology. Through this collaboration, the company will introduce cutting-edge solutions to modernize India’s railway infrastructure and align with international safety standards.

Prithish Chowdhary, Deputy Managing Director of Titagarh, has been appointed as the interim CEO of the Safety and Signaling Systems (SSS) division. He highlighted the importance of integrating new technologies into India’s rail network, stating that the company is committed to leveraging its engineering and manufacturing capabilities to provide world-class safety signaling solutions. By focusing on railway automation, predictive maintenance, and smart monitoring systems, Titagarh aims to contribute significantly to Indian Railways’ modernization efforts.

How does leadership restructuring align with Titagarh’s growth strategy?

As part of its broader expansion strategy, Titagarh has made significant changes to its leadership structure to improve efficiency and drive long-term growth. Anil Kumar Agarwal, who previously led the Freight Rail Systems (FRS) division, has been promoted to Deputy Managing Director (DMD). In his expanded role, he will oversee both the Freight Rail Systems (FRS) and Passenger Rail Systems (PRS) divisions under the guidance of Managing Director Umesh Chowdhary.

Agarwal reaffirmed the company’s commitment to becoming India’s largest producer of passenger coaches. He outlined a strategy that includes optimizing production costs, enhancing manufacturing efficiency, and expanding into international railway markets. The company aims to scale its passenger rail operations while continuing to strengthen its freight division, which has already stabilized at a production capacity of nearly 1,000 wagons per month.

Meanwhile, Prithish Chowdhary will focus on developing the newly created Shipbuilding and Maritime Systems (SMS) and Safety and Signaling Systems (SSS) divisions. Under his leadership, these verticals will play a key role in Titagarh’s diversification and long-term sustainability. Both Agarwal and Chowdhary will report directly to Managing Director Umesh Chowdhary, ensuring streamlined decision-making and enhanced operational oversight.

What role does employee stock participation play in Titagarh’s future?

To strengthen employee engagement and align their interests with the company’s growth trajectory, Titagarh has announced an Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP), offering 500,000 stock options at ₹860 per share. This initiative is aimed at fostering long-term commitment from employees as the company embarks on a significant phase of expansion in both railway and maritime sectors. By incentivizing key talent, Titagarh seeks to build a workforce that is motivated to drive innovation and excellence in its growing business divisions.

What does the future hold for Titagarh Rail Systems?

With India’s infrastructure sector poised for substantial growth, Titagarh’s newly created business verticals will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation. The company’s strategic expansion into shipbuilding and rail safety aligns with national priorities, including the government’s ambitious Make in India and Atmanirbharta programs. Managing Director Umesh Chowdhary emphasized that India’s economic and infrastructure policies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi will provide a strong foundation for industries like railway manufacturing and shipbuilding to thrive.

By focusing on shipbuilding growth strategy and safety signaling solutions, Titagarh is reinforcing its position as a leader in mobility solutions. The company is well-equipped to meet both domestic and international demand, and its investments in leadership, technology, and infrastructure reflect a long-term commitment to innovation and excellence. As Titagarh moves forward, it aims to capitalize on new opportunities while continuing to support India’s journey toward becoming a global hub for advanced transportation and maritime manufacturing.