Odisha to launch India’s first rail-tech park in Khordha

Odisha is set to launch India’s first rail-tech park, creating a dedicated ecosystem for manufacturers of railway equipment, components and specialised engineering products. The proposed park will come up at the Sahaspur industrial estate in Khordha district, sources said.

According to a report by Business Standard, the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) has reportedly conducted preliminary assessment and land development work. A detailed project report has also been prepared. Reports suggested that Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is expected to launch the park soon.

Dedicated Railway Manufacturing Hub

The park has been planned amid rising demand for railway equipment driven by India’s railway modernisation programme. The expansion of modern passenger trains, freight infrastructure, signalling and safety systems, and track infrastructure is expected to create opportunities for manufacturers of wheels, axles, wagons, coaches, braking systems, electrical equipment and specialised engineering products.

The state government planned the dedicated park after attracting several investments in the sector. Odisha approved six railway-related manufacturing projects. This included Jupiter Tatravagonka Railwheel, Jupiter Wagons Ltd, Synomac Technology, Rahee Track Technology, Amsted Steel Foundaries and Surlon India, with a combined investment of around Rs 24,600 crore. Another six to eight projects are expected soon.

Cluster-Based Investment Ecosystem

The rail-tech park will provide dedicated infrastructure and facilities for companies to establish manufacturing units and develop supply chains within a common ecosystem. It is also expected to bring large manufacturers, ancillary units, MSMEs, technology firms and service providers closer together.

Industries Department Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma said the land and location were already identified. The park would also have facilities required by rail component and equipment manufacturers.

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Jupiter Tatravagonka Railwheel proposed a railway wheelset facility with an investment of over Rs 2,500 crore. Jupiter Wagons further proposed a rail coach manufacturing unit with an investment of Rs 1,500 crore.