Indian Railways Exports Expand Across Global Markets

Indian Railways exports are rapidly expanding across international markets, including metro coaches, locomotives and specialist railway engineering services. A significant increase in private-sector participation in India’s rail industry, alongside newly signed Free Trade Agreements, is supporting this growth.

Through the “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative, the sector has shifted from importing railway technology to supplying products and expertise abroad. India’s railway infrastructure footprint now covers more than 16 countries.

Early export activity focused mainly on neighbouring markets such as Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. RITES, the consulting and export arm of Indian Railways, is now pursuing railway export opportunities in South America, particularly in Chile, Brazil and Argentina.

Cost Advantages Support Indian Railways Exports

Cost efficiency is one of the main factors behind India’s expansion in the international railway market. A standard 16-coach Vande Bharat trainset is about 40% cheaper than comparable semi-high-speed trains produced by European manufacturers such as Alstom and Siemens.

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That price advantage makes Indian rolling stock an attractive option for countries seeking modern transport equipment while working within limited budgets.

New FTAs Widen Commercial Opportunities

Surendra Ahirwar, Executive Director of Traffic Commercial (Rates) at the Railway Board, discussed the growing international reach of India’s railway sector at a ⁠FICCI seminar on Investment Economics in India held on July 8, 2026.

Ahirwar said the new generation of FTAs is intended to extend beyond conventional trade facilitation. According to him, the agreements can support closer economic integration, encourage foreign direct investment and connect Indian manufacturing more directly with global supply chains.

RITES Expands Overseas Railway Activities

In June 2026, India dispatched its first major locomotive export to the Republic of Guinea. Produced at the Marhowra manufacturing plant in Bihar, the locomotive is part of an ⁠order for 150 heavy-haul evolution-series locomotives for the African country.

At the same time, RITES signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with a major Middle Eastern rail operator. The agreement expands India’s overseas activities into railway engineering consultancy and rail network management.

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