TKIL Industries and HOPPECKE Partner to Develop Rail Battery Systems in India

TKIL Industries, formerly Thyssenkrupp Industries India, has entered into a strategic partnership with Germany’s HOPPECKE Batterien GmbH & Co. to develop battery systems for India’s rail sector. The collaboration aims to deliver sustainable energy storage solutions for metros, regional trains, and locomotives, with the first joint project launching in 2025.

India’s electric locomotive capacity is expected to double by 2030, with metro-operational cities projected to grow from 23 in FY25 to 31 in FY30, creating demand for over 20,000 electric locomotives. Additionally, 900 km of metro rail projects are underway, backed by an estimated INR 600 crore investment, highlighting the expanding rail battery ecosystem.

TKIL Industries will contribute its engineering, manufacturing, and project management expertise, while HOPPECKE will bring its decades of experience in industrial energy storage solutions. The partnership is expected to evolve further, including the development of localized service infrastructure across India.

Commenting on the agreement, Vivek Bhatia, Managing Director and CEO of TKIL Industries, said, “We are honoured to partner with HOPPECKE, marking a strategic step in our journey to support India’s transition to sustainable rail transport. HOPPECKE brings decades of technological expertise in energy storage solutions, while TKIL Industries specialises in delivering large-scale infrastructure across India. Together, we aim to play a pivotal role in accelerating the electrification of the Indian rail market—combining innovation, execution capability, and a shared vision for a greener future.”

Dr. Marc Zoellner, CEO, HOPPECKE Batterien GmbH & Co., added, “India is a strategically important growth market for sustainable mobility solutions. This alliance with a respected partner like TKIL Industries marks a significant step forward in delivering meaningful value to India’s railway sector through our advanced battery systems.”

Sachin Jain, TKIL Industries, stated, “Our collaboration with HOPPECKE is a major step toward redefining how energy is stored and delivered in rail transport. Together, we will offer next-generation battery systems that meet the evolving needs of India’s railway operators—solutions that are smarter, more efficient, and built for sustainability.”

TKIL Industries has been expanding its sustainability roadmap, having already diversified into Green Hydrogen and Compressed Biogas (CBG). Battery and Energy Storage (BES) now represents the next frontier in its commitment to India’s net zero ambition.

Founded in 1947, TKIL Industries has played a key role in India’s industrial development, delivering cutting-edge solutions across mining, cement, energy, boilers, and sugar industries. HOPPECKE, established in 1927, is Europe’s largest industrial battery manufacturer, with 22 subsidiaries and over 2,000 employees, leading the global rail battery market.