Russian Rail Giant TMH Eyes India as a Manufacturing Hub for Global Expansion.
In a strong show of intent, Russian rail conglomerate Transmasholding (TMH) has set its sights on leveraging India as a strategic manufacturing base to cater to global markets, going beyond its current Vande Bharat sleeper coach project in the country.
Speaking to Indian journalists in Moscow, TMH’s CEO Kirill Lipa underscored India’s immense potential, stating, “You have the largest population in the world. You have the largest number of largest cities in the world… it’s impossible to develop a city without rail transport. We have our expertise in trains.”
With an annual production capacity exceeding 1500 passenger coaches, TMH sees particular opportunities in the Indian market for EMUs, Metros, and sleeping coaches.
Lipa emphasized the company’s long-term commitment, noting that their Vande Bharat contract with Indian Railways was signed “two weeks after sanctions were announced,” showcasing their stability despite geopolitical headwinds.
Going beyond the Vande Bharat project, TMH aims to position itself as a strategic player in India’s railway sector, exploring the possibility of using the country as a manufacturing hub to serve other regions, particularly in Africa, where it can leverage India’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and geographic advantages.
To facilitate deeper collaboration, the Russian giant is exploring the establishment of an educational program that would enable the movement of Indian specialists to Russia, creating a cross-pollination of expertise that could benefit both countries’ railway operations.
Lipa’s candid remarks underscore TMH’s ambitious vision for the Indian market, one that extends far beyond its current contract.
With a strong track record in Russia, manufacturing 90% of Russian Railways’ passenger coaches and 99.9% of Moscow’s metro fleet, the company brings impressive credentials to the table.
