Hindalco brings in Italian tech to build rail coaches

Hindalco Industries Ltd, a leading player in the aluminium industry, announced on Tuesday a strategic technology partnership with Italy-based Metra SpA. This partnership aims to introduce cutting-edge aluminium extrusion technology to India, specifically for the construction of rail coaches.

As part of their commitment to this venture, Hindalco will establish an extrusion press within the country. This development falls under the ambit of a substantial ₹2,000 crore investment, which was disclosed by Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of Hindalco Industries, during the company's 64th annual general meeting (AGM) held last month. "We are even more excited to partner with Indian railways and the passenger coach manufacturing ecosystem for the ambitious high-speed Vande Bharat trains. An investment of ₹2,000 crore is planned for the project, and technology tie-ups are in place to introduce new extrusion and fabrication technologies to India," stated Birla during the AGM.

Hindalco's strategic vision includes the establishment of a state-of-the-art greenfield plant, featuring India's largest extrusion press. This facility will be dedicated to the production of extruded products specifically designed for high-speed aluminium rail coaches.

This significant collaboration underscores Hindalco's commitment to driving innovation and enhancing the domestic rail coach manufacturing industry in India. The partnership with Metra SpA aims to usher in advanced technology and expertise to elevate the quality and efficiency of rail coach production within the country.