Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Expands Manufacturing Facilities at BEML in Bengaluru
The Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently visited BEML, located in Bengaluru, to lay the foundation stone for a new hangar dedicated to standard and broad gauge rolling stock manufacturing. This development marks an important milestone in increasing production capabilities and bolstering the country’s railway infrastructure.
Inspection of Vande Sleeper Coach
During his visit to BEML’s Main Building in Thippasandra, Bengaluru, Minister Vaishnaw conducted an inspection of the Vande Sleeper Coach. The Vande Sleeper Coach is a state-of-the-art train coach known for its advanced features and comfortable amenities. This inspection underscores the government’s commitment to innovation and providing passengers with a superior travel experience.
Interaction with the Media & Engagement with Trainees
Following the programme at BEML, Minister Vaishnaw scheduled an interaction with the media to share insights on the developments and initiatives undertaken by the government. Additionally, at the Multi-disciplinary Divisional Training Institute (MDDTI), Bengaluru Railway Training Centre, Vaishnaw planned to engage with trainees and staff. This engagement highlights the government’s focus on fostering skill development and knowledge sharing within the railway sector.
BEML: A Key Player in Manufacturing and Infrastructure
BEML Limited, established in 1964 under the name Bharat Earth Movers Limited, is a leading Public Sector Undertaking that excels in the manufacturing of rail coaches, spare parts, and mining equipment at its Bangalore Complex. The company is listed on both the BSE and NSE and has a diverse ownership structure, with the Government of India holding 54.03% of the shares.
Diverse Operations Serving Core Sectors
As a ‘Schedule A’ company under the Ministry of Defence, BEML plays a pivotal role in serving India’s core sectors, including Defence, Rail, Power, Mining, and Infrastructure. From humble beginnings with a turnover of Rs. 5 crore in 1965, the company has experienced consistent growth. Today, BEML’s turnover exceeds Rs. 4,300 crore, highlighting its significant contributions to the national economy.
Fostering Collaboration with the Indian Navy
On August 21, BEML Ltd. signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate of Marine Engineering, Indian Navy. This MoU, signed at the Naval Headquarters in Delhi, signifies an important collaboration between BEML and the Indian Navy in the domain of marine equipment and systems. The partnership aims to enhance indigenous design, development, manufacturing, testing, and product support capabilities crucial for bolstering national defense.
Promoting Self-reliance in Defense Production
This collaboration between BEML and the Indian Navy aligns with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) initiative. The initiative seeks to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign imports in defense production. This MoU reflects an affirmation of India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in strategic sectors and nurturing indigenous expertise.
The developments at BEML underscore the government’s determination to enhance manufacturing facilities, modernize the railways, and foster self-sufficiency in defense production. These initiatives will contribute to the growth and progress of various core sectors, benefiting both the economy and citizens at large.
