In a significant push towards strengthening India’s self-reliance in advanced mobility solutions, BEML Limited, a Schedule ‘A’ Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, has laid the foundation stone for its advanced Greenfield Rail Manufacturing facility, BRAHMA — BEML Rail Hub for Manufacturing, at Umariya, near Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
The foundation stone ceremony was led by Hon’ble Union Minister of Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh, and graced by the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav; Hon’ble Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw.
They were joined by Secretary (Defence Production), Shri Sanjeev Kumar, IAS; Joint Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Dr. Garima Bhagat; CMD of BEML Ltd., Shri Shantanu Roy; as well as other senior officials from the state and central government.
The BRAHMA facility marks a major milestone in BEML’s commitment to bolstering India’s rail manufacturing ecosystem. Designed to be a world-class manufacturing hub, the project aims to cater to domestic and global demands for cutting-edge rolling stock and mobility solutions. Strategically located in Madhya Pradesh, the plant will not only enhance manufacturing capabilities but also generate significant employment opportunities and boost the state’s industrial growth.
With this development, BEML continues to align with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, contributing to indigenisation, technological innovation, and sustainable infrastructure development in the country’s transportation sector.
The upcoming BRAHMA facility is set to be a game-changer in fulfilling India’s surging demand for modern railway infrastructure. Built with a core focus on sustainability, digitalisation, and automation, the plant will house advanced systems for manufacturing, testing, and quality control. Initially equipped to produce 125–200 coaches annually, it will be capable of ramping up production to 1,100 coaches per year within five years.
Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, highlighted the project’s transformative socio-economic impact, noting that it will generate extensive employment opportunities for local youth. “This initiative will enable surrounding villages to access sustainable livelihoods, increasing household income, enhancing purchasing power, and stimulating the rural economy—thereby contributing substantially to the region’s development,” he said.
The plant will act as an industrial growth engine, nurturing local supply chains and creating opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Thousands of direct and indirect jobs are expected to emerge in manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and allied services.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav, described the project as “a landmark development that will accelerate industrial growth in the state.” He emphasised that it would attract ancillary industries, foster a self-sustaining rail manufacturing ecosystem, and set an example for further industrial investment—supported by Madhya Pradesh’s robust infrastructure and pro-business environment.
Hon’ble Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, underscored its alignment with Indian Railways’ Vision 2030: “This advanced facility will boost India’s railway manufacturing prowess, enabling the nation to lead in high-speed, modern, and eco-friendly mobility solutions.”
Reflecting India’s green manufacturing aspirations, the plant will feature zero liquid discharge, renewable energy integration, rainwater harvesting, eco-friendly landscaping, and sustainable construction materials, meeting the highest environmental and safety benchmarks.
Shri Sanjeev Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Defence Production, called the project a reflection of India’s push for self-reliance in strategic manufacturing sectors, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to world-class infrastructure.
Shri Shantanu Roy, CMD, BEML Ltd., summed up the vision: “BRAHMA embodies BEML’s dedication to engineering excellence, sustainability, and future-ready mobility. It will drive innovation in high-speed and metro rolling stock, while cementing India’s place on the global manufacturing map. We deeply appreciate the unwavering support from the Government of Madhya Pradesh in making this vision a reality.”
With BRAHMA, BEML not only strengthens its leadership in mobility engineering but also advances India’s journey toward an Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.
