Braithwaite & Co Ltd, a central public sector undertaking, has bagged an order worth Rs 180 crore from the railways to supply 500 BCVM-C type wagons, also known as brake vans. This is a significant achievement for the company, which has been diversifying its business portfolio and enhancing its order pipeline.
What are BCVM-C type wagons?
BCVM-C type wagons are brake vans that are attached to the end of railway rakes. They are used to provide braking power to the trains and to accommodate the guard and other staff. They also have a cabin with windows for visibility and safety. These wagons have a capacity of 58.5 tonnes and a tare weight of 24.5 tonnes. They are designed to operate at a speed of 100 kmph and have features like anti-climbing arrangement, air brake system, LED lights and GPS tracking.
Why is this order important for Braithwaite?
Braithwaite is one of the oldest engineering companies in India, established in 1913. It was taken over by the government in 1976 and became a subsidiary of Bharat Bhari Udyog Nigam Ltd (BBUNL) in 1987. It was transferred to the Ministry of Railways in 2010.
The company has been mainly engaged in the manufacture and repair of railway wagons, cranes, steel structural bridges and other engineering products. However, in recent years, it has faced stiff competition from private players and a decline in wagon demand from the railways.
To overcome these challenges, Braithwaite has been exploring new avenues of revenue generation and diversification. It has ventured into civil construction, bridge cranes, operation and maintenance activities, container manufacturing, solar PV plants and railway station construction contracts.
The company has also improved its operational efficiency, quality standards and financial performance. It has achieved a turnover of Rs 1,054 crore and a net profit of Rs 50 crore in 2022-23. It has also reduced its wagon manufacturing cost by 15 per cent.
The order of 500 wagons from the railways is a testimony to Braithwaite’s capabilities and competitiveness in the wagon market. It will also boost the company’s order book, which stood at Rs 1,734 crore as of December 2023. The order was secured through a competitive bidding process and will be executed within 18 months.
What are Braithwaite’s future plans?
Braithwaite has set an ambitious target of becoming a Rs 2,500 crore listed CPSU by 2025-26. It plans to achieve this by expanding its product range, increasing its market share, enhancing its customer satisfaction and strengthening its corporate governance.
The company also aims to leverage its expertise and experience in railway engineering to tap into new opportunities in the domestic and international markets. It is exploring possibilities of exporting wagons, cranes and bridges to countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Africa.
Braithwaite is also keen to participate in the government’s flagship projects like Dedicated Freight Corridors, High Speed Rail Corridors, Metro Rail Projects and Make in India initiatives.
Braithwaite is confident that with its vision, strategy and execution, it will emerge as a leading player in the railway sector and contribute to the nation’s growth and development.
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