Hindalco, Texmaco join hands to make aluminium wagons

Kolkata: Hindalco Industries, the world’s one of the largest aluminium rolling and recycling company, and Texmaco Rail & Engineering, a specialised engineering company, have entered into a strategic alliance to develop and manufacture an aluminium rail wagons and coaches. Hindalco said that this will help Indian Railways achieve its emission goals and bolster operating efficiency.Indian Railways has launched “Mission 3000 MT” with a target of doubling freight capacity to reach 3,000 million tonne by 2027 through augmentation of rolling stock, with the objective of achieving 45% market share in freight. In a joint statement issued on Thursday, it was pointed out that recognising these developments in the railways, Hindalco and Texmaco have joined hands to explore opportunities, where Hindalco will provide profiles, sheets and plates of its aluminium alloys, along with fabrication and welding expertise. The company’s in-house aluminium freight rake launched last year is 180 tonne lighter and offers 19% higher payload to tare weight ratio, consumes less energy with negligible wear and tear. Texmaco, being an expert in manufacturing freight cars for 80 years, will bring in technical expertise and be responsible for design, setting up the factory, production line and providing skilled workers.Satish Pai, MD, Hindalco Industries, said, “With the launch of India’s first aluminium rake, we have demonstrated the benefits of higher payload and significant CO2 reduction that aluminium rakes offer.”Indrajit Mookerjee, VC, Texmaco Rail & Engineering, said: “This partnership will go a long way in creating products, reinforcing our commitment towards reducing the carbon footprint and driving a positive environmental impact.”