Titagarh Rail Systems and ABB India have signed a strategic agreement for propulsion systems for 25kV driverless metro projects. The partnership includes the transfer of technology for TCMS along with the localisation of manufacturing for key traction equipment.  The collaboration will support the rolling stock requirements of Mumbai Metro Lines 5 and 6 while advancing the Make in India initiative.

Introduction:

India’s urban mobility landscape has taken a decisive step forward as Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) and ABB India Limited formalised a comprehensive agreement to develop and localise propulsion systems for 25kV AC driverless metro projects. Building on their strategic alliance announced in November 2023, this milestone collaboration advances indigenous manufacturing, technology transfer, and self-reliance in high-value railway systems under the Government of India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

The agreement positions Titagarh and ABB at the forefront of next-generation metro technology, with a strong focus on Train Control and Monitoring Systems (TCMS), propulsion equipment, and co-production of critical components for Mumbai Metro’s expanding network.

Scope of the Agreement – From Technology Transfer to Indigenous Manufacturing: 

Under the agreement, ABB India will support the design, manufacture, supply, testing, installation supervision, and commissioning of propulsion systems for 25kV AC metro applications, covering Grade of Automation GoA2, with upgradability to GoA4 driverless operations.

A key highlight of the framework is the Transfer of Technology (ToT) for TCMS, enabling Titagarh to indigenously design, integrate, and manage train control systems for high-voltage metro platforms. This builds on Titagarh’s earlier acquisition of TCMS technology for 750V DC metro systems from ABB in 2023, thereby completing its TCMS portfolio across India’s metro traction standards.

In addition, the agreement envisages a gradual transfer of manufacturing and co-production of:

This progressive localisation significantly increases domestic value addition and strengthens India’s railway manufacturing ecosystem.

Mumbai Metro Lines 5 and 6 – The Anchor Project:

The agreement directly supports Titagarh’s contract with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to supply 240 metro coaches for Mumbai Metro’s Lines 5 and 6.

Project Breakdown:

The contract includes a 2-year Defect Liability Period (DLP) followed by 5 years of comprehensive maintenance, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.

ABB’s Major Traction Order and Execution Plan:

On 27 January 2026, ABB India received a major order from Titagarh Rail Systems to supply a complete integrated traction and control solution for:

ABB’s Scope of Supply:

Manufacturing will be executed across ABB’s Indian footprint:

The project will be executed over the next 3–4 years, supported by local engineering, testing, and service teams.

A First for India’s 25kV AC Metro Segment:

This order marks ABB’s entry into India’s 25kV AC metro segment, a significant expansion of its technology footprint in the country’s rapidly growing metro rail market. The integrated propulsion and TCMS solution is designed to deliver:

As Indian cities adopt higher-capacity metro systems, 25kV AC technology offers enhanced efficiency and scalability, especially for longer corridors and higher ridership.

Strengthening Make in India Through Backward Integration:

For Titagarh, propulsion systems and TCMS represent some of the most critical and technology-intensive components of a metro train. This agreement accelerates Titagarh’s strategy of backward integration, allowing greater control over cost, quality, timelines, and localisation.

Titagarh already manufactures traction motors for locomotives and EMUs and has recently developed traction converters under earlier technology transfer arrangements with ABB. The current agreement extends these capabilities to metro-specific propulsion systems, which demand high precision and advanced control technologies.

The collaboration brings Titagarh closer to becoming a fully integrated rolling stock manufacturer, capable of delivering end-to-end train solutions.

Insights:

Mr. Umesh Chowdhary, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, said, “This agreement with ABB marks a big step towards the direction given by our Honourable Prime Minister Sri, Narendra Modi ji, towards not only making in India, but becoming Atmanirbhar also. At Titagarh we have always been committed to the call of our honourable prime minister to make India fully Viksit by 2047 and we are continuously enhancing our capabilities towards that effect. After being the first company in India to develop Aluminium Metro Trains, we have now setup the most state-of- the- art facilities to make both stainless steel and aluminium metros and in our endeavour to backwardly integrate and become self sufficient in the entire value chain of manufacturing trains, we have been continuously developing our capabilities and facilities including by way of strategic alliances such as the one with ABB.”

“Our facilities in Uttarpara West Bengal are coming up as one of the most modern and comprehensive facilities to make all kinds of passenger trains, including aluminium and stainless steel metros, Vande Bharat and other trains. The recent acquisition of additional land has enabled us to construct a 1.6 km test track which can open up multiple opportunities and avenues for Titagarh including forward steps towards manufacturing high speed trains in the future. One of the strategies we are pursuing is to significantly integrate backwardly to keep our leadership in costs and delivery timelines. The development of the propulsion business and the joint venture with Ramakrishna forging to manufacture wheelsets is an integral part of this strategy.” 

Mr. Roger Buchmann, Global Business Line Head- Rail Systems, ABB, said, “This order marks ABB’s entry into the 25 kV AC metro segment in India, a significant milestone that expands our technology presence in the metro rail sector. As more Indian cities develop high-capacity metro systems, this project demonstrates how energy-efficient propulsion technologies and intelligent control solutions can enable low-emission, reliable urban transport. By combining optimized power usage with localized manufacturing, we are supporting sustainable mobility, reduced lifecycle energy consumption, and a lower environmental footprint for India’s growing metro networks.”

World-Class Manufacturing Infrastructure in Uttarpara:

Titagarh’s manufacturing hub in Uttarpara, West Bengal, is emerging as one of India’s most comprehensive passenger train manufacturing facilities. Recent land acquisition has enabled the development of a 1.6-kilometre test track, opening new avenues for:

The propulsion business and the joint venture with Ramakrishna Forgings for wheelset manufacturing are key pillars of Titagarh’s long-term strategy to maintain leadership in cost competitiveness and delivery performance.

ABB’s Commitment to Sustainable Urban Mobility:

ABB views the Mumbai Metro project as a demonstration of how energy-efficient propulsion technologies and intelligent control systems can enable low-emission, reliable urban transport.

According to Roger Buchmann, Global Business Line Head – Rail Systems at ABB, the project combines optimised power usage with localised manufacturing to reduce lifecycle energy consumption and environmental impact.

The collaboration reinforces ABB’s role as a trusted technology partner in India’s metro rail expansion, blending global expertise with strong local execution.

Boosting India’s Metro Rolling Stock Ecosystem:

Beyond the immediate Mumbai Metro project, the Titagarh–ABB partnership contributes to the long-term sustainability of India’s rail manufacturing ecosystem by:

The agreement aligns closely with national priorities on self-reliance, value creation, and sustainable infrastructure development.

About the Partners:

Titagarh Rail Systems Limited: Titagarh Rail Systems is a leading mobility solutions provider with operations in India and Italy, specialising in semi high-speed trains, urban metros, passenger coaches, propulsion systems, and specialised wagons. The company is committed to innovation, excellence, and shaping the future of transportation under the Make in India vision.

ABB India Limited: ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, with over 140 years of engineering heritage and approximately 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB Motion, a core business area, delivers energy-efficient motors, drives, and propulsion solutions that support sustainable, high-performance transport systems across the globe.

Conclusion:

The Titagarh–ABB agreement marks a defining moment for India’s metro rail industry, combining advanced propulsion technology, deep localisation, and strategic collaboration. By enabling indigenous 25kV driverless metro systems, the partnership strengthens urban mobility, accelerates self-reliance, and positions India as a global rail manufacturing powerhouse.

Source: Titagarh Rail – Press Release | Image Credit: Titagarh Rail

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