Russia: Kirill Lipa, General Director of TMH, made this statement during the Russia–India business dialogue at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
“There are no current plans for exports from Russia to India. We export our competencies, entrepreneurial spirit, experience and knowledge accumulated over the years of railway development in Russia”, he said, adding that Russia’s railway system is the most intensively used in the world.
The Russian rolling stock manufacturer is currently executing one of the world’s largest contracts, valued at $6.5 bln, in India. Indian Railways will receive 120 Vande Bharat trains (1,920 cars) and their 35-year maintenance. TMH’s press office has informed ROLLINGSTOCK that the project does not involve the export of rolling stock or production in Russia, nor does it provide for the consideration of the supply of Russian components to India. The manufacturer creates a new train with sleeping berths on the basis of an existing one. “TMH has been selected to execute the contract as a company that possesses unique engineering competencies and experience in launching and organising large-scale rolling stock production”, the company explains.
In line with the national programme Make in India, TMH is implementing the contract in collaboration with its Indian partner, state-owned RVNL. The consortium has already unveiled the design concept for the trains. The vehicles will be assembled at a facility in Indian Latur, with the first two prototypes scheduled to commence testing by the end of 2025.
THM’s head also noted that the company is prepared to establish various facilities in India with the support of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade. They will facilitate the delivery of rolling stock to Russia and other countries. A particular focus is being placed on deliveries to African countries, as Indian rolling stock manufacturers are currently working on entering the market. A contract for the supply of various vehicles to Mozambique is already being implemented.
