The cooperation between Hindalco Industries Ltd and Metra SpA is a critical step in bringing world-class technology to the region.
Hindalco Industries Ltd announced a technical cooperation with Metra SpA of Italy on Tuesday.
According to an exchange filing, the cooperation seeks to allow the manufacturing of large-size aluminum extrusion and fabrication technologies for the construction of high-speed aluminum rail coaches in India.
The collaboration, which combines Hindalco’s vast experience in aluminum manufacturing with Metra’s cutting-edge know-how in aluminum extrusion, machining, and welding, is a pivotal step toward bringing world-class technology to India, which is currently limited to Europe, China, Japan, and a few other countries, according to the company.
The collaboration gives Hindalco a springboard to propel Indian Railways’ ambitious upgrade program, which operates the world’s largest train network, according to the business.
“We are pleased to join forces with Metra to usher in a new era of aluminum extrusions for passenger trains in India,” stated Satish Pai, Managing Director of Hindalco Industries.
“This is consistent with our efforts to expand our aluminum capability in commercial vehicles, freight wagons, electric vehicles, and passenger train applications.” “Our combined expertise will undoubtedly improve the efficiency, durability, and long-term performance of these trains, while also setting new standards for the Indian rail industry,” he added.
“We are even more excited to partner Indian railways and the passenger coach manufacturing ecosystem for the ambitious high-speed Vande Bharat trains. An investment of ₹2,000 crore is planned for the project and technology tie-ups are in place to bring new extrusion and fabrication technologies to India,” Birla had said in the AGM.
Extruded aluminum is a key material in the railway industry because it combines weight reduction and mechanical strength. Metra, a 60-year veteran in the production of aluminum extrusions for the transportation sector, specializes in the fabrication and machining of railway extrusions, providing the Italian firm with extra skills to develop and provide high-end railway sub-assemblies.
“Collaborating with Hindalco Industries presents an exciting opportunity to showcase the capabilities of our aluminum extrusion technology,” stated Enrico Zampedri, CEO of Metra SpA.
Hindalco introduced India’s first all-aluminum lightweight freight rake in October, enabling not just faster speeds and more cargo every trip, but also saving over 14,500 tonnes of CO2 throughout its lifespan. In addition, the business intends to release three new freight wagon designs in the coming months, each aimed at a specific commodity such as cement or foodgrains.
