Balu Forge Starts Automated Empty Shell Production Line

11 Dec 2025 CW Team

Balu Forge Industries Ltd, a precision engineering company specialising in forged and machined components, has commenced operations of its empty shell production line at its greenfield manufacturing campus in Belgaum, Karnataka. The line—one of India’s first fully indigenously built systems—has an annual production capacity of 360,000 shells and features an advanced forging and machining setup for large-calibre ammunition projectiles.

The new facility significantly enhances Balu Forge’s ability to deliver high-precision machining solutions for critical defence applications. The company also plans to expand the line further to meet rising domestic and global demand.

The forging line has achieved near 100 per cent automation, powered by FANUC Robotics, making it one of the most advanced systems in both India and the global defence manufacturing market. Entirely designed in-house, the production line involved collaboration with more than 18 machinery manufacturers to develop and commercialise a fully “Make in India” solution. The unmanned forging line has been programmed and commissioned internally, operating with a cycle time of 55 seconds.

This milestone aligns with Balu Forge’s long-term strategy to scale its precision engineering portfolio across industries and international markets, with a continued focus on supplying fully machined components. The commissioning of the empty shell line marks an important step in commercialising the company’s Belgaum greenfield facility. Additionally, Balu Forge is preparing to roll out multiple high-precision production lines in phases, supporting the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission and strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Infrastructure Transport

10 Feb 2026

Tamil Nadu Gets Rs 76,110 mn for Railways, Three Projects Revived

Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Tamil Nadu has been allocated Rs 76,110 mn in the Union Budget 2026–27, marking a 14.9 per cent increase over the Rs 66,260 mn allotted in 2025–26. The allocation is intended for ongoing new line projects, track doubling, station redevelopment and safety-related works, with project-wise details to be disclosed when the Pink Book is released. Officials indicated that the funds will be deployed across construction and modernisation priorities identified for the state. The minister urged the Tamil Nadu government to extend support f..

Nagpur Station Redevelopment Deadline Extended To March 2027

Nagpur Railway Station redevelopment has been rescheduled to March 2027 as officials opted for a cautious approach to minimise disruption at the busy terminus. The project had earlier been due for completion in December 2026 but work at a live station while preserving the heritage character of the building has slowed progress. The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) said construction sequencing is being adjusted to maintain passenger services. The DRM provided an update on Ajni Railway Station, stating its redevelopment timeline has been revised to October 2026 instead of the earlier target of c..

Railway Push Boosts Connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir

An accelerated push to expand railway infrastructure is reshaping connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, with Indian Railways leading an extensive programme of new lines, stations and engineering works. Officials described the effort as aimed at linking remote areas to major trade and transport corridors and at reducing travel time for passengers and freight. The programme incorporates complex tunnelling and bridge construction to negotiate challenging terrain and to provide year round access. Administrative sources indicated that coordination with central and local agencies has been intensified t..