Finance
“Operation Sindoor is proof that India possesses the capability to defeat its enemies with home-grown strength,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while laying the foundation stone of BEML Rail Hub for Manufacturing (BRAHMA), a Greenfield Rail Manufacturing facility at Umariya, Madhya Pradesh on August 10, 2025. He termed the operation as a befitting reply to the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Pahalgam, J&K, emphasising that India’s decisive response sent a loud and clear message that it no longer tolerates an attack on its integrity and sovereignty. “We do not provoke anyone, but those who provoke us will not be spared” he added.
Describing Operation Sindoor as a symbol of India’s self-reliance and self-confidence, Raksha Mantri asserted that the Armed Forces effectively utilised indigenous equipment, which played a pivotal role in the success of the operation. “India was able to reach this position only because it has taken the pledge to become Aatmanirbhar in the defence sector,” he said.
Crediting the dynamic leadership and vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the transformation of the defence sector, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that, today, India is not only manufacturing equipment on its soil, but is also catering to the security needs of friendly countries. “Our defence production and exports are increasing at an unprecedented pace and have touched record figures. This is the new defence sector of the new India,” he said. It may be recalled that, in the Financial Year 2024-25, annual defence production soared to an all-time high figure of Rs 1.51 lakh crore and defence exports touched a record Rs 23,622 crore.
Raksha Mantri shed light on the economic development and economic self-reliance witnessed by the nation in the last decade, pointing out that India’s economy is growing at a rate of about 6.5% and the nation is poised to become the third largest economy in the world. He added that persistent efforts are being made by the “double engine government” to take the economy forward at an even faster pace, and exuded confidence of achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
About BEML Rail Hub for Manufacturing
The BRAHMA facility will be developed across 148 acres as a world-class manufacturing unit for rolling stock and is expected to be completed in about two years. BEML plans to invest Rs 1,800 crore in the next few years in a phase-wise manner to fully establish the integrated manufacturing unit. Initially producing 125-200 coaches per year, its capacity will scale up to 1,100 coaches annually within five years. The unit will manufacture Vande Bharat trainsets, metro cars, Electrical Multiple Units, high-speed rail coaches, and other advanced rolling stock for domestic & export markets. It is expected to create over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, catalyse local supply chains, and encourage MSMEs in Madhya Pradesh’s industrial belt particularly in Singrauli, Satna, Rewa, and Katni.
In line with India’s green manufacturing goals, the facility will incorporate zero liquid discharge systems, solar and renewable energy integration, rainwater harvesting, and green landscaping. The use of recycled and sustainable building materials will ensure compliance with the highest environmental and safety standards, including statutory environmental clearances and green factory norms.
Shri Rajnath Singh dubbed the initiatives like BRAHMA as critical in building the industrial and technological base needed for both national security and economic growth. He lauded the role of BEML in strengthening the defence sector, adding that the BRAHMA project would bolster the DPSU’s position as a global supplier of mobility solutions. “BEML stands as a pillar in India’s journey towards industrial and defence self-reliance. Projects like BRAHMA reaffirm our economic resolve to be self-reliant, globally competitive, and future ready. This is how we will build a strong, secure, and prosperous India,” he stated. While Raksha Mantri acknowledged the contribution of BEML in fulfilling the needs of both defence and civilian sectors, he called for further strengthening the area of research and development as it is the foundation for any industry.
The ceremony was also attended by Minister of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw (virtually); Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr Mohan Yadav; Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar; Chairman & Managing Director, BEML Shri Shantanu Roy; and other senior state & central officials.
Source: PIB
