ZF Group Launches Advanced Railway Dampers for Indian Market

ZF India Pvt Ltd. has unveiled its advanced railway dampers designed for India's expanding rail network, marking the company's deeper entry into the country's rail sector.

The German technology group showcased the products at the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2025 in October, targeting metro, semi-high speed, high-speed and locomotive applications across India's modernizing rail infrastructure.

The dampers feature a maintenance-free twin-tube design with high dynamic stiffness, engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions while reducing operational downtime. According to the company, the products offer customizable characteristic curves tailored to specific customer requirements, aimed at enhancing ride comfort and operational efficiency.

Production will take place at ZF's Chakan plant in Pune, with the dampers validated to the company's global standards. The move aligns with ZF's localization strategy for the Indian market.

Akash Passey, President of ZF Group's India Region, noted that India's rail sector is undergoing significant transformation with modernization and high-speed projects. He emphasized that the locally produced dampers combine global technology with localization to meet Indian operating conditions.

Karsten Hofmann, Head of Sales for Special Vehicle and Railway Chassis Components at ZF Group, highlighted the anticipated growth in India's rail market and the company's commitment to supporting this expansion through local manufacturing.

The company emphasizes the products' extended service life, easy overhaul capability, and compact architecture as key features designed to reduce total cost of ownership for rail operators.

ZF, which employs approximately 161,600 people worldwide, reported sales of €41.4 billion in fiscal 2024. The company operates 161 production locations across 30 countries, serving automotive, commercial vehicle, and industrial technology sectors.