Titagarh rail systems Limited has announced a strategic partnership with ABB India Limited to develop propulsion systems and facilitate technology transfer for 25kV driverless metro projects across India. This agreement, signed on 27 January 2026, represents a significant advancement in the companies' collaboration that began with their strategic alliance in November 2023.

Partnership Scope and Technical Specifications

Under the comprehensive agreement, ABB India will provide extensive support covering multiple aspects of metro propulsion systems:

The partnership specifically supports Titagarh's contract with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for 240 metro coaches, comprising 132 cars for Line 5 and 108 cars for Line 6.

MMRDA Project Details

The agreement covers two major metro lines in Mumbai with comprehensive specifications:

The project includes 5 years of maintenance services following a 2-year Defect Liability Period (DLP), ensuring long-term operational support.

Technology Transfer and Manufacturing Integration

This milestone agreement significantly enhances Titagarh's technological capabilities through systematic knowledge transfer. The company had previously acquired TCMS technology for 750V metro systems through their 2023 agreement with ABB, and this new partnership completes their portfolio to cover both traction systems used in Indian metro operations.

Key technological advancements include:

• TCMS Laboratory: Titagarh established its own TCMS laboratory at their Bangalore design center
• Traction Motor Production: Already producing traction motors for locomotives and EMUs
• Converter Development: Recently developed traction converters for EMUs under previous ABB agreement
• Progressive Co-production: Gradual transition to manufacturing high-precision metro propulsion systems

Strategic Impact on Make in India Initiative

The collaboration represents a major step toward backward integration and indigenous manufacturing, significantly increasing local content and moving projects closer to majority localization. By strengthening technology and production transfer capabilities, this partnership enhances India's self-reliance in high-value railway technologies and supports domestic manufacturing for future metro and rail projects both domestically and internationally.

Vice Chairman & Managing Director Umesh Chowdhary emphasized the alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for making India fully Viksit by 2047. He highlighted Titagarh's commitment to becoming Atmanirbhar through continuous capability enhancement and strategic alliances.

Infrastructure Development and Future Capabilities

Titagarh's facilities in Uttarpara, West Bengal, are being developed as comprehensive manufacturing centers for all types of passenger trains, including aluminum and stainless steel metros, Vande Bharat, and other rolling stock. The recent acquisition of additional land has enabled construction of a 1.6 km test track, opening opportunities for high-speed train manufacturing in the future.

The company's backward integration strategy includes the propulsion business development and a joint venture with Ramakrishna Forging for wheelset manufacturing, positioning Titagarh as a comprehensive railway rolling stock producer with enhanced cost leadership and delivery capabilities.

Titagarh Rail Systems has received approval to transfer its shipbuilding and maritime systems operations to a subsidiary company. This strategic organizational move will enable the company to restructure its business operations by separating its maritime-focused activities from its core rail systems business.

Strategic Business Restructuring

The approval allows Titagarh Rail Systems to proceed with the planned transfer of its shipbuilding and maritime systems divisions. This restructuring initiative demonstrates the company's focus on optimizing its operational structure and creating distinct business units for different industry segments.

Operational Implications

The transfer of shipbuilding and maritime systems to a subsidiary will create a clearer separation between the company's rail-focused operations and its maritime business activities. This organizational change is expected to provide better operational focus and management efficiency for both business segments.

The approval represents a significant step in the company's strategic planning, enabling it to move forward with the subsidiary structure for its maritime operations while maintaining its position in the rail systems sector.