New Delhi: Oriental Rail Infrastructure Limited (“ORIL”), through its wholly owned subsidiary Oriental Foundry Private Limited (“OFPL”), has entered into a Technology Development Agreement with the All- Union Research and Development Centre for Transportation Technology (“VNICTT”), the design and engineering centre of Russia-based United Wagon Company (“UWC”).
Under the agreement, VNICTT will undertake the design and development of a 25-tonne axle-load bogie and a solid-bottom gondola car, including engineering design, technical documentation and technical support during testing.
Strategic Significance:
The initiative complements ORIL’s existing capabilities across wagons, bogies and railway components, while enabling the Company to leverage VNICTT’s specialised expertise in freight wagon and bogie design, further strengthening its technology-led product development and advanced rolling stock capabilities.
Key Benefits Include:
• Higher Payload: 25-tonne axle-load capability to enable greater payload per wagon.
• Better Efficiency: Potential for improved operating efficiency and lower lifecycle maintenance requirements. • Broader Portfolio: Development of a solid-bottom gondola car to address evolving freight requirements.
Saleh N. Mithiborwala, Chairman, Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, Oriental Rail Infrastructure Limited, said, “The Indian railway sector is witnessing continued modernisation of freight rolling stock, with growing focus on higher carrying capacity and specialised wagon designs. Our collaboration with VNICTT will provide access to specialised international expertise in freight wagon and bogie design and support the development of advanced products for the Indian market.
With the Railway Board encouraging greater industry participation and innovation in wagon design, we believe this collaboration will strengthen our product capabilities, expand our presence in the freight railway segment and create long-term value for our stakeholders.”
