BL reported that BEML Limited had come up with a new low cost, stainless steel metro rail car targeted at the upcoming mass transit projects of Tier II cities.

The report said that the cars priced around INR 5 crore each are designed and developed with BEML’s R&D and cost much less than those built using imported technology. These could be 25% to 30% lower than the coaches made using imported technology.

The BEML release said that “The reduction in cost is planned to be achieved through in-house R&D and by using stainless steel material of indigenous make and other aggregates. This will help Tier II cities implement their mass rapid transportation systems at an affordable cost.” It has received a INR 52 crore order from DMRC for the design and development of 8th cars.

DMRC is upgrading its 4 trains to 6 car formations by adding 2 cars to each of them. This will increase the passenger capacity from 1,506 to 2,290. It said that “On completion of the eight-car project, BEML hopes to bag further orders from DMRC.” It said that BEML is banking on the success of Delhi and similar upcoming projects in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.

BEML’s proposal on using its stainless steel electric multiple units has also found favor with the Indian Railway Board, which is placing a developmental or test order for 6 rakes. It estimated the total requirement of 3,000 cars with a business potential of INR 5,000 crore in the coming years. The Railways operates a substantial EMU fleet in Kolkata and Delhi too.