Solving mobility challenges

Leading the pack of players in the space of rail technology, Bombardier Transportation offers the broadest portfolio in the industry. Combining technology with empathy, the manufacturer covers full spectrum of rail solutions ranging from trains to sub-systems and signalling, besides providing complete transport systems, e-mobility technology and maintenance services. Managing Director Sudhir Rao told Karan Rawat of ACE Update about integrated solutions that benefit operators, passengers and the environment aiding efforts towards providing sustainable mobility.

What are the latest technologies that you are using?
In terms of latest technologies, Bombardier offers the broadest portfolio of rail vehicles and technologies in the industry and can offer individual solutions for all Indian cities. Focusing on the most pressing public transport challenges in India, we offer all products needed for a comprehensive transport system from metros and light rail vehicles (LRV) as well as APM and monorails to regional commuter and high-speed trains along with rail components, signalling systems and maintaining the asset. Additionally, with government’s strong focus on e-mobility vehicles, PRIMOVE is our complete e-mobility portfolio allowing cities and the transportation industry to easily incorporate electric mobility. It includes wireless charging, compact battery and efficient propulsion systems for electric rail and road vehicles. PRIMOVE makes sustainable mobility a reality by reducing local CO2 emissions to zero. It eliminates noise pollution and integrates seamlessly into the environment.

Could you please throw some light on your export market?
Bombardier is currently manufacturing 450 commuter cars for the Queensland New Generation Rollingstock (QNGR) project for Australia. Vehicle assembly and bogie manufacture is taking place at Savli and Maneja site, near Vadodara, supplying a portion of the propulsion equipment. These trains travel more than 10,500 km by road and sea from Savli, India to the Port of Brisbane. Over 350 commuter cars have been delivered to Australia and are gradually entering passenger service posts rigorous testing. The project is in tandem with government’s promise on ‘Make in India’ and our efforts on the same have been acknowledged by PM Modi and his cabinet ministers.

How is high-speed network aiding enhancement of infrastructure and manufacturing in India?
The recent launch of the high-speed network in India between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is a path-breaking initiative that will bolster the economy, create new jobs, improve connectivity and enhance infrastructure and manufacturing in India. The government is planning nine routes for the high-speed trains and Bombardier ZEFIRO high-speed (HS) and very-high-speed (VHS) trains are already setting the benchmark in very high performance, very high efficiency and very high dedication globally (Speed: 250-380kms/ph). Our world-class ZEFIRO high speed trains would aid in delivering the ‘Make in India’ promise.

What are your views on Budget 2019?
Budget highlights the outlaying of investment opportunities, improvement of operating ratio and introduction of new semi-high-speed trains elicits the vision to transform the rail experience for commuters. Capital expenditure of Rs 1.58 lakh crore, one of the highest ever for Indian Railways, was announced and most of the amount will be spent on capacity expansion which represents huge business opportunities for rail suppliers. Budgetary allocation for railways has been increased to Rs 64,587 crore, an increase of around 20 per cent. Improvement of operating ratio to 95 per cent by 2019-20 is a good sign for rail suppliers as Indian Railways will allocate the surplus for modernising rail network across India.

High-speed network between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is a path-breaking initiative that will bolster the economy, create new jobs, improve connectivity.
Sudhir Rao, Managing Director, Bombardier Transportation

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