Marks entry into the Indian railway sector through localized manufacturing as a part of a multi-year contract
Reinforces ZF’s commitment to next generation mobility and sustainable transport solutions
Strengthens “Make in India” focus with advanced driveline technology for rail applications
New Delhi, October 15, 2025: ZF, the global technology company driving next generation mobility, has announced its first gearbox manufacturing order for railways in India. This milestone marks ZF’s official entry into the Indian railway sector, leveraging its global expertise in driveline and system technologies to new transport domains.
The railway gearbox will be assembled locally at ZF’s state-of-the-art facility in Coimbatore, India, underlining the company’s commitment to localization and global technology. Designed with ZF’s engineering excellence, the new single-stage spur gear drive combines durability, performance, and efficiency while meeting the demands of India’s growing rail infrastructure. This win aligns with ZF’s strategic direction of supporting sustainable future mobility through efficient systems and solutions that enhance safety and performance.
“Our entry into the Indian railway sector is a significant milestone for ZF Gorup in India,” said Akash Passey, President, ZF Group India. Securing the first order for local railway gearboxes is a validation for our engineering and manufacturing strength and underlines our commitment to advancing India’s mobility transformation. With our proven gearboxes now extending into the rail segment, we are positioned to deliver sustainable, reliable and future-ready solutions for railways from within India echoing our commitment of Make in India for India.”
Addressing the requirements of India’s newest people mover
Vande Bharat Express is India’s first semi-highspeed, indigenous trainset, designed for modern, comfortable, and efficient travel, significantly reducing journey times and offering advanced passenger amenities.
Ever since its launch in 2019, Vande Bharat has transported more than 30 million passengers across the country. The train is a semi-highspeed trainset with faster acceleration and deceleration, reducing travel time by 25% to 45%. Accordingly, the team highlighted its need for advanced technology solutions combined with efficiency and safety, to the ZF team.
Laying the groundwork for new standards
ZF puts its century of experience in railway segment into practice with the new single-stage spur gear drive. This product is customized for Indian Railway to support their goal to achieve great performance while providing robust and economic vehicles.
The new single-stage spur gear drive with coupling and reaction rod will be supplied for the much-appreciated Vande Bharat platform ensuring the needs for high acceleration rates. This gearbox is customized for specific application requirements from Vande Bharat and is best suited for top speeds ranging from 70 to 170 kms.
This achievement further strengthens ZF’s presence in India, reinforcing its role as a trusted technology partner for sustainable mobility concepts for tomorrow must meet the requirements of modern society for speed, safety, comfort, and sustainability.
