Alstom and
Bombardier in India
Two of the biggest mass infrastructure
companies in the world are looking to expand their operations. Named similarly
for adjectives, describing their size and scale of operations, Alstom and
Bombardier have been mainly involved in the construction of metro rail systems
in India. Both the companies’ Indian divisions are expected to cross $1
billion.
“It is no secret that Indian urban
transportation will soon need to procure around 3,000 metro cars, 25-plus
signalling lines, 5,000 EMUs (electric multiple units), nine high speed lines
and 20 semi-high speed lines in the next 60 months. Of course, the requirement
will be well supported by a network of advanced signalling systems and a
regular supply of propulsion equipment for electric locomotives and EMUs to
Indian Railways” (Businessworld). This is where both Bombardier and Alstom come
into play.
Both the companies have manufacturing
facilities in India. While Bombardier has a facility in Gujarat which makes
metro coaches, Alstom has a site in Andhra Pradesh where it has recently manufactured
the cars for the Kochi Metro. Both the companies are rallying around the Indian
Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ slogan and are exporting cars to several
countries such as Australia, Tanzania.
“At least ten Indian cities are working on
metro railway projects and the government initiated a plan in 2012 to study the
feasibility of such networks in all cities with a population of more than 2
million. Most cities with ongoing projects require companies that bid for
supply contracts to manufacture in India, which led to the setting up of
facilities in the country.” (Livemint)
With these statements, it can be said that
India is trying to heavily upgrade its urban rail system. At the same time, it
is also exporting the physical model present to other developing nations in
Africa. With these aims in sight, both Alstom and Bombardier have a pivotal
role to play.
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