ZF Secures First Railway Gearbox Order in India

Global technology company ZF has announced its entry into India's railway sector after securing its first gearbox manufacturing order for the country's rail network.

The German mobility solutions provider will assemble railway gearboxes locally at its Coimbatore facility, marking a strategic expansion beyond its traditional automotive focus into rail transportation.

The order involves supplying a new single-stage spur gear drive designed specifically for the Vande Bharat Express, India's semi-high-speed trainset that has transported over 30 million passengers since its 2019 launch. The gearbox will support the train's high acceleration requirements and is optimized for speeds ranging from 70 to 170 kilometers per hour.

"Securing the first order for local railway gearboxes is a validation for our engineering and manufacturing strength and underlines our commitment to advancing India's mobility transformation," said Akash Passey, President of ZF Group India.

The Vande Bharat Express, India's first indigenous semi-high-speed train, has reduced travel times by 25% to 45% compared to conventional trains through faster acceleration and deceleration capabilities. The trainset has become a flagship project in the country's railway modernization efforts.

ZF's railway gearbox incorporates the company's century of experience in rail technology, combining durability and efficiency to meet the demands of India's expanding rail infrastructure. The product will include coupling and reaction rod components tailored to the specific requirements of the Vande Bharat platform.

The development aligns with India's "Make in India" initiative, emphasizing local manufacturing and technology development. ZF operates 162 production locations across 31 countries and reported sales of €46.6 billion in 2023, employing approximately 168,700 people worldwide.

The company's expansion into India's railway sector represents part of its broader strategy to support sustainable mobility solutions across multiple transportation segments, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial applications.