In a significant stride towards expanding its global footprint, state-run rolling stock manufacturer BEML has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malaysia’s largest rolling stock manufacturer, SMH Rail.

Together, BEML and SMH Rail will focus on marketing, supply, and servicing of rail and metro rolling stock products, with a particular emphasis on markets in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and Africa, the company said in a statement.

This strategic partnership marks a historic collaboration between India and Malaysia, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and address the growing global demand for advanced rail and metro rolling stock,” it said.

Under this MoU, BEML and SMH Rail will pool their resources to enhance capabilities in marketing, manufacturing, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.

“The collaboration will also involve the joint design, engineering, manufacturing, and integration of rolling stock, tailored to meet client-specific requirements. Additionally, both companies will excel in sourcing rolling stock aggregates and subsystems, formulating winning strategies, and exchanging technology on a mutual basis,” the company said.

This landmark agreement was formalised in the presence of Tengku Zafrul B Tengku Abdul Aziz – Minister of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia during an event in Delhi.

“This historic collaboration will play a crucial role in meeting the rising global demand for urban mobility solutions, particularly in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. We are thrilled to join hands with SMH Rail, a company that shares our commitment to excellence and quality,” Shantanu Roy, Chairman & Managing Director of BEML, said.

This move is a part of BEML’s ongoing efforts to bolster its global presence and cater to the increasing demand for reliable and innovative rail and metro solutions. With a legacy spanning over six decades, BEML has established itself as a trusted partner in the global market, exporting to over 72 countries worldwide.

Commenting on the development, Datuk PK Nara, Chairman & Managing Director of SMH RAIL said, “India is a very significant market for SMH Rail and Malaysia. Through this collaboration, both SMH and BEML can develop new innovative rolling stock solutions to cater for the growing public transport sector in India and in Malaysia, providing cost optimisation through joint research and development.”

BEML is a leading metro car manufacturer in India and holds the distinction of being the first company in the country to produce all-steel integral passenger rail coaches and other rolling stock for Indian Railways. The Rail Coach Factory in Bangalore has manufactured and supplied over 18,000 mainline passenger coaches and more than 900 Electrical Multiple Units (EMUs) for Indian Railways.

BEML is now poised to flag off the nation’s first prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train in the near future.

Since 2002, BEML has pioneered the manufacture of stainless-steel metro cars and was the first to indigenously design and produce driverless metro cars in India. As of July 2024, BEML has delivered over 2,000 metro coaches to various Indian Metro Corporations, including Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Mumbai.