Hilton Metal Forging Achieves Milestone with Forged Railway Wagon Wheel Set Production.

Hilton Metal Forging Ltd has achieved a significant milestone in India's railway manufacturing sector, successfully producing a Railway Forged Wagon Wheelset. This critical component, comprising two forged wheels and one forged axle, has undergone rigorous inspection and received official approval from RITES, the leading Indian railway consultancy.

This development positions Hilton Metal Forging to address the growing demand from Indian railway wagon manufacturers and reduce the nation's reliance on imports, particularly from China. Each railway coach or wagon typically utilizes four such wheelsets.

Ambitious Production Targets and Market Impact

Hilton Metal Forging has laid out ambitious production plans, aiming to manufacture over 3,000 Railway Forged Wagon Wheelsets in FY26. This target is set to skyrocket to more than 12,000 units in FY27, significantly boosting the company's railway business under the "Make in India" initiative. The total installed capacity planned by the company is an impressive 20,000 Railway Forged Wagon Wheelsets per annum.

This move aligns perfectly with the Government of India's strong emphasis on increasing freight transport movement via the railway network, targeting an increase from the current 27% to 45% by 2030. With 98% of the rail route electrified and a focus on "Mission Raftaar," Indian Railways plans to enhance the speed of both freight and passenger trains across the country, thereby reducing travel times.

Addressing Growing Domestic Demand

The Indian railway manufacturing sector witnessed substantial growth in FY25, with 41,929 freight wagons produced (up from 37,650 in FY24), 1,681 locomotives (a 19% increase from 1,472 in FY24), and 7,134 railway passenger coaches of various types (up from 6,541 in FY24).

Annually, approximately 90,000 freight wagons, passenger coaches, and locomotives undergo periodic maintenance at around 44 railway workshops across India. The annual demand for new railway wagon wheelsets is estimated at around 170,000 units, with new wheel demand reaching about 250,000 units. As the production of rolling stock continues to rise domestically, the demand for new wagon wheelsets and wheels is projected to increase year-on-year. Hilton Metal Forging's foray into this critical component manufacturing is poised to play a vital role in meeting this escalating domestic need.