Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), a leading Indian public sector unit (PSU) known for manufacturing heavy equipment across the rail, metro, and defence sectors, has announced an exciting new collaboration with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL). The two organizations have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on advancing research and development activities aimed at creating innovative technologies for marine applications.
BEML’s Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), Shantanu Roy, emphasized the company’s commitment to reducing reliance on imports for India’s defence forces. This partnership aligns with BEML’s larger vision of strengthening India’s self-reliance in both the defence and maritime sectors, contributing to the national goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Sanjeev Singhal, CMD of MDL, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, citing it as a significant step toward enhancing India’s domestic capabilities in defence production and innovation.
In addition to its growing footprint in the defence sector, BEML has been making strides across multiple industries. The company has made substantial progress in its rail, metro, and mining sectors, with these three areas now expected to account for 60-65% of BEML’s revenue in the next two years. In FY23, BEML’s rail sector contributed 27% of total earnings, while defence followed with 23%. However, by FY24, mining emerged as the top revenue contributor at 43%, with the rail sector’s share rising to 38%, and the defence sector’s contribution shrinking to 19%. The company’s order book currently stands at a significant Rs 12,000 crore, and it is poised to increase this value to Rs 18,000 crore by FY25. BEML has secured several notable contracts, including a deal with the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) to design and manufacture two indigenous bullet trains. The company has also formalized an MoU with the Indian Navy to develop advanced marine technologies for defence. Additionally, BEML has been awarded contracts to manufacture 70 driverless trains for Chennai Metro.
BEML is expanding its global presence by processing a number of export orders, particularly in the metro, rolling stock, and mining segments. These international projects are expected to contribute significantly to the company’s profits, with metro orders alone potentially surpassing Rs 1,000 crore in revenue. Furthermore, the company’s contracts in the mining sector are projected to generate an additional Rs 700-800 crore in revenue. This strategic expansion across multiple sectors, both domestically and internationally, underscores BEML’s commitment to achieving fast-track growth while contributing to India’s ambitions for self-reliance in defence, transportation, and heavy industries.