TWL in talks with Japanese firm for capacity expansion

Private sector wagon-maker Titagarh Wagons (TWL) is in “an advanced stage” of negotiations with a Japanese firm to extend its capacity in manufacturing bridges.

The Kolkata-based company already has a special projects division that designs and erects single-length Bailey Bridges.

“We are already into Bailey Bridges but are now looking at building large steel bridges for roads, railways and flyovers. There is huge scope for construction work in the infrastructure sector. We are in an advanced stage of talks with a Japanese company,” TWL chairman JP Chowdhary said, on the sidelines of the company's 13th annual general meeting held here today.

Meanwhile, the wagon maker is awaiting the Ministry of Railways to formulate a policy for the introduction and usage of light-weight aluminium wagons, which it manufactures through a joint venture with US firm FreightCar America.

“In the Railways' own interest, the policy (drafting) should happen this fiscal,” Chowdhary added.

Although the basic technology for these wagons, which are primarily used for coal transportation, is available with FreightCar America, TWL will have to undertake homologation for domestic usage. A total investment of $20-30 million has been earmarked for this project.

“About 45 per cent of the total railway freight is coal, so the potential market is immense. Since the tare weight of these wagon is low, the throughput per train will be higher,” TWL vice chairman Umesh Chowdhary said.

The design for these wagons has already been added, he said, and the prototypes would be ready in another 3-4 months. “We are undecided on the bulk production, but we can manufacture these wagons in our existing facilities with modifications,” the vice-chairman added.