Indian Railways Rises as Global Export Powerhouse Under 'Make in India, Make for the World' Vision

Indian Railways Emerges as Global Export Leader in Rail Technology: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Highlights Alstom Savli’s Role

In a landmark visit to Alstom’s advanced manufacturing facility in Savli, Vadodara, Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw underscored Indian Railways' growing global presence in rail technology exports, propelled by the government’s ambitious ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ missions.

The Minister conducted a comprehensive review of Alstom’s operations, focusing on its robust maintenance practices and global export strategy. Emphasizing the importance of technology and skill-building, he proposed collaborative training programs between Indian Railways, Alstom, and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, also based in Savli.

Alstom Savli: At the Heart of India's Rail Manufacturing Revolution

Alstom’s Savli unit is a key pillar in India’s modern railway ecosystem, manufacturing state-of-the-art metro and commuter train cars. The facility plays a crucial role in exporting critical components and complete systems to countries across the globe.

Key Export Achievements:

• 3,800+ bogies exported to Germany, Egypt, Sweden, Australia, and Brazil

• 4,000+ flatpacks (modules) delivered to Vienna, Austria

• 450 rail cars exported to Australia for the Queensland Metro Project

• Over 5,000 propulsion systems from Alstom’s Maneja unit sent to international projects

“Make in India is no longer just a slogan. It’s becoming a globally respected capability,” said Shri Vaishnaw during his visit, praising Indian engineering for meeting world-class standards.

India: Now a Hub for Global Railway Exports

India's railway export landscape is rapidly expanding, with a strong ecosystem of over 3,400 Indian engineers collaborating across 21 Alstom sites globally. India now leads in executing 27 international signalling projects and supports over 40 additional projects using emerging technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain, and cybersecurity.

Country-Wise Export Highlights:

• Metro Coaches: Australia, Canada

• Bogies: UK, Saudi Arabia, France, Australia

• Propulsion Systems: France, Mexico, Romania, Spain, Germany, Italy

• Passenger Coaches: Mozambique, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka

• Locomotives: Mozambique, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Republic of Guinea

Digital Innovation and Skill Development: A New Era for Indian Railways

The Digital Experience Centre in Bangalore is powering a new wave of innovation with over 120 global projects focused on next-gen signalling systems. The integration of AI-powered preventive maintenance and sensor technology was discussed during the review meeting, signifying a leap toward predictive asset management.

Shri Vaishnaw proposed an exposure program for General Managers of all Production Units (PUs) to observe best practices at the Savli unit, aiming to integrate such innovative processes within the broader Indian Railways network.

Local Industry Thrives with Global Collaboration

The export boom has also energized the local supplier ecosystem around Savli. Partners such as Integra, Anovi, Hind Rectifier, Hitachi Energy, and ABB are actively engaged in fabrication, interiors, and advanced electrical systems—contributing to both employment generation and technological self-reliance.

“Indian workers and engineers are not just building for India; they are delivering world-class products across continents,” said the Minister, noting the visible employment impact of the rail export drive.

SMEStreet Insight:

The visit to Alstom’s Savli facility not only showcased India’s capabilities in high-value manufacturing but also reaffirmed the nation’s trajectory as a global exporter in rail technology. With consistent policy support, strategic partnerships, and focus on design-led manufacturing, India is well-positioned to lead the global railway innovation frontier.