First Indian-manufactured aluminium goods train rake flagged off

On 16th October 2022, the first Indian-manufactured aluminium goods train rake was flagged off from Bhubaneswar in Odisha. In addition to being lighter than its predecessors, it is also more capable of carrying freight.

Besco Limited (Wagon Division) manufactured the aluminium-bodied wagons following an order in 2021 placed by aluminium major Hindalco Industries Limited.

It was motivated by Hindalco's team headed by Mr Sagar Dhamorikar, Jt. President, and their desire to introduce aluminium in wagon manufacture,  Besco, led by Mr Anant Tantia, along with the company's dedicated design and production team, led by Mr Goutam Banerjee, General Manager, completed the project within the 15-month schedule. It consists of one full rake of 61 wagons and 01 Brake Van.

According to our report, these wagons save 14,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions during their lifetime, have more carrying capacity, consume less energy and are corrosion-resistant. They are 100 per cent recyclable; even after 30 years, the aluminium superstructure will be as good as new. These aluminium wagons are a positive step towards India’s climate goals. Moreover, no external painting is involved, lessening the environmental pollution. 

Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Railway Minister of India, flagged off the rake, which is 180 tonnes lighter than existing steel rakes, resulting in increased speed and lower power consumption for the same distance on empty return condition.  It is lighter in tare weight by about 3 tonnes from the BOBR wagons and about 2 tonnes approx. from BOBRNHSM1 wagons.

The rake can carry 180 tonnes more per trip than conventional rakes, and its corrosion-resistant design will reduce maintenance costs. The entire wagon superstructure is fastened with huck bolts, and no use of welding technology is applied. Since the superstructure is made entirely of aluminium, the manufacturing cost is relatively higher, but on a lifecycle cost basis, a worthwhile investment.

The iron and steel industry consumes a lot of imported nickel. In other words, adding aluminium wagons will reduce imports and benefit the domestic aluminium industry.