Jupiter Wagons Partners With Italy's Lucchini RS to Build Railwheel Platform in India

Jupiter Wagons Ltd (JWL) has entered into a strategic partnership with Italy's Lucchini RS Holding SpA to build an integrated railwheel manufacturing platform in India, strengthening the country's domestic railway component manufacturing and expanding its export potential.

Under the agreement announced on Tuesday, Lucchini RS will acquire a 15 per cent stake in Jupiter Tatravagonka Railwheel Factory Pvt Ltd (JTRWF), while Italian government-backed financial institution SIMEST SpA will purchase another 10 per cent. The combined 25 per cent stake is valued at around 28 million euros (about Rs 307 crore).

The partnership will manufacture railway wheels, axles and wheelsets across the complete value chain, from raw material processing to finished products. JTRWF's existing facility at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra will be integrated with its upcoming greenfield plant in Odisha, which will include forging, metallurgy and wheel manufacturing units.

The Odisha project, one of Jupiter Wagons' biggest investments in the rail sector, is expected to have an annual capacity of 100,000 wheelsets, with more than half the output targeted for export, particularly to Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa. Commercial production is expected to begin in phases from 2027.

Managing Director Vivek Lohia said the alliance marks a major step in creating a globally competitive railwheel manufacturing ecosystem and will support India's self-reliance in critical railway components.

Lucchini RS Chairman Giuseppe Lucchini said the partnership provides the Italian company with a structured entry into India's fast-growing railway market while allowing it to contribute advanced manufacturing technology and expertise.

The collaboration comes as Jupiter Wagons expands its rail component business and targets stronger exports alongside growing demand from India's railway infrastructure push.