Knorr-Bremse Strengthens Asian Rail Component Production with New Indian Facility

As Asia accelerates its rail infrastructure development, global suppliers are increasingly prioritizing localized production to meet rapidly growing markets. German rail component manufacturer Knorr-Bremse is expanding its presence in India, a key hub for rail manufacturing and innovation in the region.

The company has submitted approval documents to construct an 18.6-hectare facility in Tamil Nadu, representing an investment of approximately $212.7 million (INR 19 billion). The new plant is expected to create around 3,700 jobs and produce about 700 door drive units and 1,000 door leaves per month for metro, regional, and high-speed trains. The facility will also manufacture friction materials for braking systems and include an R&D center focused on braking systems and digital solutions.

This expansion is designed to strengthen the local supply chain for critical rail components, reducing lead times and costs for operators and manufacturers across Asia. Increased domestic production of essential parts such as door systems and braking materials will support the ongoing growth of urban and intercity rail networks throughout the continent.

Knorr-Bremse has been active in India since 1993, operating a plant in Faridabad that produces braking systems, air compressors, and door drive units. The company also maintains a technology center in Pune and an artificial intelligence center established in Chennai in 2025, reflecting a long-term commitment to technological development and manufacturing within the country.

The new facility aligns with broader industry trends toward regionalized manufacturing to better serve fast-growing markets such as India and Southeast Asia. It underscores a strategic focus on enhancing local capabilities to meet increasing demand for modern, efficient, and sustainable rail transport solutions across Asia.

Source: ROLLINGSTOCK Agency