Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML), a public sector enterprise, announced on August 21, that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SMH Rail, Malaysia?s largest rolling stock manufacturer. The agreement was formalised during an event in Delhi, attended by Malaysia?s Minister of International Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul B Tengku Abdul Aziz. This strategic collaboration between India and Malaysia is set to bolster bilateral relations while addressing the increasing global demand for advanced rail and metro products. Under the partnership, BEML and SMH Rail will jointly focus on the marketing, supply, and servicing of rail and metro rolling stock, targeting key markets in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. The companies will leverage their combined expertise to enhance capabilities in marketing, manufacturing, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.

The MoU also outlines plans for the joint design, engineering, manufacturing, and integration of rolling stock, tailored to meet specific client needs. Both companies will collaborate on sourcing rolling stock aggregates and subsystems, developing strategic approaches, and exchanging technology.

Shantanu RoyCMD, BEML, emphasised the significance of the collaboration, stating, "This partnership will play a crucial role in meeting the rising global demand for urban mobility solutions, particularly in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. We are excited to join forces with SMH Rail, a company that shares our commitment to excellence and quality."

Datuk PK Nara, CMD, SMH Rail, added, "India is a vital market for SMH Rail and Malaysia. Through this collaboration, we aim to develop innovative rolling stock solutions for the growing public transport sector in both India and Malaysia, optimising costs through joint research and development."

(ET)