The Indian Railway is among the largest transport systems in the world, with thousands of tons of freight and millions of passengers travelling by it every day. According to the Technical Assistance Report released by the Asian Development Bank in November 2007, the Indian railways carried 5.73 billion passengers and 666.51 tons of freight in FY2006. Recognizing the need for expansion, the Government of India is planning on major investment in railway infrastructure. Expansion plans include the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) of about 5,000 km linking mines and ports in West and East India to Delhi and Punjab; and the strengthening of railway corridors between the major metros, providing port-connectivity and hinterland corridors, and the building of four mega railway bridges under the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).

This is yet another enormous growth opportunity for us and one that we intend to seize. Building on the experience gained through our railway project at Bhilai, we are now ready to emerge as a significant player in the railways segment in the infrastructure space.