Jupiter Tatravagonka has commissioned a production line for manufacturing railway wheels and axles at its facility in Odisha, India, as part of an integrated railway components plant. The equipment will be supplied by ANDRITZ and its subsidiary Schuler, providing a turnkey solution for the venture. The plant is expected to be operational by 2027.
This development marks Jupiter Tatravagonka’s entry into the forging business, enabling the company to produce essential components such as wheels and axles in-house for its railway wagons. Approximately 50% of the plant’s production capacity is allocated for export. The facility is designed to optimize production processes, improve quality control, and ensure the timely supply of critical components.
The announcement coincided with the inauguration of Jupiter Tatravagonka’s Railwheel Factory unit in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar in September. Vivek Lohia, Managing Director of Jupiter Wagons, stated that the investment is aimed at meeting increased demand for freight transportation, driven by factors such as e-commerce growth, rising industrial activity, and infrastructure development initiatives.
Jupiter Wagons recently acquired and rebranded Bonatrans India as Jupiter Tatravagonka Railwheel Factory Pvt. Ltd. The upcoming forging plant in Odisha is set to increase the company’s production capacity from 20,000 to 100,000 wheelsets annually by 2027, supported by an investment of approximately ₹2,500 crore.
The expansion aims to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities for wheels and axles used across various railway rolling stock, including passenger trains and heavy-duty locomotives. The project is expected to reduce reliance on imported components and support India’s push toward strengthening its railway infrastructure.
ANDRITZ Metals Germany, noted for its experience in forging furnaces, has collaborated with Schuler on several forging lines for railways, contributing expertise to the project.