BEML submits a request for indigenization of 60 Bullet train coaches

Bengaluru (Urban Transport News): The Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) has submitted a request to Japanese firm Hitachi to develop 60 new coaches for India's first High-Speed Bullet Train project. 

The BEML Limited has pitched for indigenization of at least six rakes (60 coaches) of the bullet train in collaboration with its Japanese partner Hitachi. The two Japanse companies Kawasaki and Hitachi are interested to participate in the bid as the main contractor for manufacturing and supply of Rolling Stock coaches for Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor.

BEML Chairman and Managing Director D K Hota said, "We have submitted our request for indigenization of six bullet rakes (60 coaches)". 

He further said, "We want more volume in the indigenization process, which will be a win-win for the country and make our investments viable in the bullet train project."

However, Hitachi had shown the impossibility of indigenization of more than 10 coaches of high-speed bullet train if the project has to meet its rollout deadline of 2023.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Bullet Train corridor is expected to run 24 rakes in the initial phase and the contract value for Rolling Stock is expected to about 15 billion US dollars. BEML want to work for
indigenization work for the interior of coaches.

This news came after a visit of BEML officials to the Hitachi facility in Japan for evaluating ground realities. 

The BEML Limited has recently awarded a contract worth Rs 3,015 crores for manufacturing 378 metro cars for the Mumbai Metro 2A, 2B and 7 corridors. The BEML can produce 800 rail coaches and 300 metro coaches per annum.