PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: Odisha is poised to become a major global hub for railway wheels and axles, catering to major rail networks worldwide. The development follows Jupiter Wagons Ltd.’s strategic partnership with Italy’s Lucchini RS Holding and SIMEST to establish India’s first fully integrated private-sector railwheel manufacturing platform in the state.

Vivek Lohiya stated that the initiative involves designing and manufacturing top-tier wheels and axles suitable for international rail systems. The project is expected to generate thousands of local jobs while providing a significant boost to Odisha’s MSME sector. Lohiya said this while addressing the 2nd edition of the Rail Synergy & Bengal MSME Vendor Connect Summit 2026.

Addressing the event, Gitika Pandey highlighted Eastern Railway’s plans to invest approximately ₹12,000 crore over the next four to five years to enhance capacity, modernise stations, and expand multi-tracking systems. Speakers at the summit stressed that indigenous manufacturing of wagons, metros, and passenger train sets will advance the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.

Today, Indian Railway ecosystem has evolved to become world-class. Additionally, P.K. Das briefed attendees on the MSME Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026, recently passed by Parliament to resolve delayed payments, while outlining ongoing efforts to improve financing, technology access, and export opportunities for small enterprises.