Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw champions MSME integration into Railway ecosystem
Union Law MoS Arjun Ram Meghwal highlights synergy of indigenous manufacturing and policy support
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New Delhi, June 28, 2025:
Eastern Railway took the spotlight at “Udyami Sammelan: Knowledge Building Arena”, an event organized by Laghu Udyog Bharati, West Bengal in collaboration with the National Library of India. Held at Bhasa Bhavan Auditorium, Kolkata, on June 28, 2025, the event aimed to foster collaboration between the Railways and India’s vibrant MSME sector.
The Sammelan witnessed the esteemed presence of Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, as Chief Guest, and Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Union MoS for Law & Justice (Independent Charge) and MoS for Parliamentary Affairs, as Guest of Honour.
Speaking on the occasion of Udyami Sammelan at Kolkata, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology said that, development of the railway system is the primary requirement for development of any economy. The present government has merged the Railway Budget with General Budget for optimum allocation. The allocation for Railways has also increased from Rs. 24000-25000 crores only during the previous regime to about Rs. 2.5 lakh crores now during the regime of present government under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. In the last 11 years, about 35000 km of new railway track have been laid. In 2023-24, 5300 km of railway track have been added in single year. 1400 locomotives and 35000 wagons are being added every year to railway system in India setting a new growth path for the Railways.
Further speaking on the development of Railways in West Bengal, Hon’ble Railway Minister said that the New Jalpaiguri – Kolkata Rail Corridor will be developed to world standard. Master Plan has been created for adding new railway line, Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals etc. The chicken neck portion of West Bengal where at present there is only 2 lines, will be made a 4-line network shortly. The Sivok – Siliguri – New Mal Jn will also be linked with the main corridor. He also mentioned that in the previous regime the Railway Budget for West Bengal was about Rs. 3000 crores which the present government increased to Rs. 14000 crores. This huge investment in Railways will lead the West Bengal to a growth path.
Shri Milind Deouskar, General Manager, Eastern Railway, led the delegation from the Railway side, with senior officers in attendance. He emphasized the strategic initiatives undertaken by Eastern Railway to boost MSME participation in local manufacturing and maintenance of key railway assets.
Eastern Railway displayed 39 carefully selected components used in manufacturing and maintenance of LHB coaches, ICF coaches, and railway wagons — chosen specifically for their low capital investment, high production potential, and raw material accessibility, making them ideal for MSME manufacturing.
These components, representing an estimated ₹800 crore market opportunity, aim to promote self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. The initiative not only promises economic viability but is key to enhancing supply chain resilience within Indian Railways.
Several MSME representatives at the event expressed keen interest in entering the Railway supply ecosystem, marking a strong industry response.
Indian Railways reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive industrial growth, MSME empowerment, and nation-building through indigenous innovation.