Mumbai, Aug. 3 -- Hirect Ltd., formerly Hind Rectifiers Limited, has secured two contracts from Indian Railways worth approximately Rs 1.2 billion (Rs 1,200 mn). The awards were announced by the company and cover propulsion and electrical equipment for multiple trainsets. The total award is split equally between the two packages, each valued at about Rs 600 mn. The combined contracts carry completion timelines of 21 months and 24 months respectively.
The first contract requires the development of propulsion systems and the electrics for the Vande Metro, also described as the Namo Bharat Rapid Metro, and is valued at about Rs 600 mn. Hirect must execute that contract within 21 months and will deliver systems designed for the specified operational profile. The scope includes control electronics, traction converters and integration with existing trainset systems. Delivery and testing phases are scheduled to align with commissioning windows set by the railways.
The second contract covers the supply of complete propulsion systems for four MEMU trainsets and is valued at about Rs 600 mn. That package carries a 24 month completion period and requires delivery of propulsion hardware and control electronics. The company will coordinate with railway engineering teams to align schedules and commissioning. Post-delivery support and warranty obligations form part of the contractual requirements.
Namo Bharat Rapid Rail was introduced to enhance inter-city short distance travel and to provide a modern service influenced by the Vande Bharat Express. The first Vande Metro was flagged off in September 2024 and the service currently operates two pairs on the Indian Railways network. These trains run at a maximum operational speed of 130 km/h and cover distances up to 300 km. The Railway Minister has indicated that, given positive response, 50 new Namo Bharat Rapid Rail trains will be manufactured.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.