Wabtec bags multiple contracts to supply over 680 Pantographs for Rail & Metro projects in India

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): Global rail technology provider Wabtec Corporation has secured multiple contracts to supply more than 680 pantographs for several major metro and commuter rail projects in India, the company announced on 13 March 2026.

The advanced pantograph systems will be deployed across Chennai Metro Phase II, Mumbai Metro Lines 4, 5 and 6, as well as Indian Railways’ MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) and Vande Bharat Sleeper train programmes.

According to the company, the new systems are expected to enhance fleet availability and support reliable, efficient and sustainable rail operations across these projects.

Wabtec will manufacture the pantograph systems at its state-of-the-art Transit manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, reinforcing the company’s commitment to India’s rail manufacturing ecosystem.

Deliveries of the systems are scheduled to begin in late 2026, supporting rolling stock production and metro expansion projects currently underway across the country.

Commenting on the development, Ajay Mani, Managing Director of Wabtec Transit India (FTRTIPL), highlighted the growing momentum in India’s rail sector.

“India continues to make substantial investments in modernizing and expanding its commuter rail infrastructure. These orders underscore the trust our customers place in Wabtec and our longstanding commitment to the country’s rail ecosystem. Our proven pantograph technology is designed for modern mobility needs and capable of operating in even the most demanding service conditions,” he said.

Pantographs play a critical role in electric train operations by maintaining continuous contact with the overhead catenary system to draw electrical power.

Wabtec’s pantograph systems feature lightweight, high-stiffness frames and optimised linkage mechanisms, which help ensure stable current collection even under varying operating speeds and overhead wire conditions.

The systems are designed with precision-controlled contact force and aerodynamic collector heads, helping to reduce arcing and minimise wear on overhead wires. In addition, low-wear carbon strips and advanced damping mechanisms support consistent power collection and long-term operational reliability.

The pantographs also comply with EN and IEC international railway standards, making them suitable for high-performance rail networks and demanding operating environments.

The new contracts represent an important milestone for Wabtec’s transit business in India and strengthen its partnerships with rolling stock manufacturers, system integrators and national railway programmes.

With metro networks expanding rapidly and new high-speed and semi-high-speed train projects underway, the demand for reliable electrification equipment continues to grow across India’s rail sector.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said that advanced electrification technologies play a crucial role in improving the efficiency and reliability of modern rail systems.

“As India continues to expand its metro networks and introduce new-generation trains such as the Vande Bharat Sleeper, reliable power collection systems like advanced pantographs are essential for ensuring smooth and efficient operations. Local manufacturing of such critical components also strengthens the domestic rail supply chain and supports the country’s broader ‘Make in India’ vision,” she said.

Wabtec, which has been a leader in the rail industry for more than 150 years, provides equipment, systems, digital solutions and services for the freight and transit rail sectors, as well as the mining, marine and industrial markets.

Through continued technology investments and partnerships, the company aims to support the development of more efficient, reliable and sustainable rail transportation systems worldwide.