Did Rajnath Singh Just Transform Rail Manufacturing in MP?

Obedullaganj, Aug 10 (NationPress) In a significant step towards enhancing homegrown rail infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially inaugurated the foundation stone for the 'Bramha' BEML Rail Hub for Manufacturing in Umaria village, located in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh.

This advanced facility, which is to be established by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) with a substantial investment of Rs 1,800 crore, aims to serve as a pivotal element in India's journey towards a self-sufficient rail production ecosystem.

During the ceremony, the Defence Minister emphasized this initiative as a testament to India's escalating industrial strength and commended Madhya Pradesh for its emergence as a significant center for defence and infrastructure manufacturing.

“Madhya Pradesh possesses the political will, stable governance, and abundant resources. With 48,000 hectares allocated for new investments, the state is on track to evolve into a ‘Modern State’,” he remarked.

The new manufacturing unit, named after Lord Brahma, the creator in Hindu mythology, will produce coaches for Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, metro trains, and future high-speed rail systems like bullet trains.

Additionally, it will manufacture other railway components, including export-ready broad and standard gauge coaches. Initially, the plant is set to produce 200 coaches annually, with plans to scale up to 1,100 units over time.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, present at the occasion, highlighted that BEML has already supplied over 2,100 metro coaches and is in the process of developing high-speed train prototypes in partnership with the Integral Coach Factory (ICF).

“The Umaria facility is expected to generate at least 5,000 jobs and will significantly contribute to fulfilling Indian Railways’ objectives by outsourcing work to MSMEs,” he stated.

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav described this initiative as a proud achievement for the state and a direct manifestation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ vision.

“This is the first time Madhya Pradesh will manufacture and provide train and metro coaches nationwide and globally,” he added.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also spoke about Operation Sindoor during the event.

The facility, covering 148 acres in Goharganj tehsil near Obedullaganj, will incorporate state-of-the-art technologies, including robotic welding, lean manufacturing practices, and solar-powered energy systems. It will demand 2,000 MVA of power, which will be sourced from renewable energy.

BEML Chairman Shantanu Roy confirmed that the first coach is projected to be completed within 18 months. The strategic positioning of the plant is expected to spur regional development, with ancillary industries in Raisen and Bhopal districts supplying bogies, interiors, air-conditioning systems, and other components.

A specialized rail coach technology institute is also being considered to enhance skill development and technical training.

BEML’s expansion into Raisen represents a strategic alignment of defence-grade engineering with civilian infrastructure demands.

This unit will complement its existing facilities in Bengaluru, Palakkad, and Kolar Gold Fields, significantly boosting India’s rail export potential.