Dynamatic Technologies and Aequs’ Aerospace Partnership Strengthens India’s Global Manufacturing Presence
India’s railway sector, Hindalco Industries, part of the Aditya Birla Group and the world’s largest aluminium rolling and recycling company, has entered into a groundbreaking technology partnership with Italy’s Metra. The collaboration, announced on December 20, 2024, will focus on manufacturing high-speed aluminium rail coaches, bringing advanced European technology to India’s rail industry.
Metra, renowned for its expertise in aluminium extrusion, machining, and welding, has been a leader in the field for over six decades. This partnership marks a pivotal step in enhancing India’s railway infrastructure by introducing world-class aluminium technology—currently used in Europe, China, Japan, and select countries—into the domestic market.
According to Satish Pai, Managing Director of Hindalco, the collaboration aligns with the company’s broader vision to support a range of transport applications, including electric vehicles, freight wagons, and passenger trains. “We are joining hands with Metra to introduce a new era of aluminium extrusions for passenger trains in the country,” he said. This new venture promises to improve the efficiency, durability, and sustainable performance of Indian trains, setting new benchmarks for the local rail industry. The technology will be particularly transformative for high-speed rail coaches, as extruded aluminium is ideal for reducing the weight of coaches, resulting in better performance and higher speeds. Hindalco’s focus on lightweight, toughened aluminium alloys will allow for aesthetic designs while maintaining safety and functionality. In addition to reduced infrastructure and carbon costs, these aluminium coaches are expected to improve energy efficiency due to reduced aerodynamic resistance.
The partnership supports India’s ongoing efforts to modernize its railway system, including the development of Vande Bharat trains. Hindalco plans to invest ₹2,000 crore to manufacture passenger coaches for these state-of-the-art trains, further elevating India’s rail network. Hindalco’s move into high-speed aluminium railcars follows its successful launch of India’s first all-aluminium lightweight freight rake last October. This initiative has not only boosted payload capacity and speed but will also reduce CO2 emissions by over 14,500 tonnes over the rake’s lifetime. With the new collaboration, Hindalco and Metra aim to redefine India’s rail transport, making it more sustainable, efficient, and future-ready. The alliance marks the beginning of a new chapter in India’s railway transformation, offering commuters a modern, high-speed, and environmentally friendly travel option.
