Texmaco Rail plans to open its first overseas factory in 2027, with the Texmaco Rail South Africa plant producing locomotives and freight wagons under a major export contract.

Two Transnet diesel locomotives operating in South Africa
Two Transnet Class 43 diesel locomotives at Ogies, South Africa. Contextual image; the locomotives are not Texmaco equipment. Photo: Bob Adams / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0

Texmaco Rail South Africa plant follows export order

The Times of India⁠ reported that Texmaco Rail & Engineering will invest Rs 200–300 crore in the first phase, with spending expected to rise during later stages. The factory is linked to an order from Tsiko Africa Logistics⁠ and Barberry Holdings covering 30 diesel locomotives, more than 2,235 freight wagons and a 15-year maintenance partnership.

Texmaco’s May regulatory disclosure valued the South African order at more than Rs 4,045 crore, while the newspaper rounded the figure to Rs 4,100 crore. The company expects to deliver half of the equipment during 2027–28, with the remaining supplies completed in phases.

“This contract is a milestone for us. Given the large volume of orders, we have decided to set up a manufacturing plant in South Africa.”

Adventz Group Chairman Saroj Kumar Poddar said the initial investment would increase in subsequent phases. The planned factory will give Texmaco a local manufacturing base for the contract and establish its first production facility outside India.

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Texmaco Rail South Africa plant supports wider expansion

Alongside the African project, Texmaco plans to begin producing modern tank wagons at its Sodepur plant within three months through its collaboration with Czech manufacturer Nymwag⁠. The partners have already formed an Indian joint venture focused on freight wagons and components for domestic and export markets.

Texmaco is also working with South Korea’s Sampyo on weldable railway crossings. In addition, its partnership with Touax Group and Trinity Rail is intended to create a freight railcar leasing platform in India and support wagons with higher payload capacity.

Company director Akshay Poddar said Texmaco is exploring the future manufacture of Vande Bharat and metro trainsets, although no production timetable was announced. The company’s current programme remains centred on freight rolling stock, locomotives, specialised components and lifecycle maintenance.

The South African plant therefore represents both a delivery base for a major export order and a broader step in Texmaco’s international manufacturing strategy.

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