Alstom Drives Battery Train Innovation and Expansion in India

Battery-powered trains are becoming increasingly popular globally, according to Champak Panda, Managing Director of Alstom India's Rolling Stock & Components division. He emphasized the significance of this technological advancement and highlighted Alstom's leading role in this area.

Alstom is set to supply lightweight, battery-driven, aluminum articulated trains for a project in New Zealand. The deal is estimated to be worth approximately EUR538 million. Panda also mentioned Alstom's ongoing collaboration with Indian Railways on various projects, including high-speed train technologies, articulated bogey systems, and signaling solutions.

While India's rail network is largely electrified, and therefore doesn't currently require battery-based technology to the same extent, Alstom is prepared to provide it if needed. The company plans to develop 16 battery trains over the next three years, with the aluminum-bodied trains being manufactured at Alstom's Savli facility in Gujarat. The traction systems for these trains will be produced at the Coimbatore factory.

The Coimbatore factory is Alstom's largest components manufacturing site in Asia. It produces traction systems, auxiliary converters, driver desks, and rolling stock looms, supplying components to markets across Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Australia. Approximately 60 to 65 percent of the components made in Coimbatore are exported, with the remainder supplied domestically.

The Coimbatore unit employs over 850 people and executes around 83 projects annually. The plant is expected to increase its capacity to handle over 100 projects by 2026, with expansion plans already underway.

Panda emphasized Alstom's commitment to technological advancement in the rail industry. He also noted that India's Gati Shakti initiative is driving efforts to increase train speeds. Alstom is already developing traction converters for the Vande Bharat trains.

Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has a long history in high-speed technology. The company's expertise dates back to the 1970s, with record speeds achieved on conventional tracks. Alstom is currently supplying high-speed trains in various markets, including Europe and the United States.