TKIL Industries (formerly thyssenkrupp Industries India), a leading player in industrial engineering and manufacturing, has entered into an exclusive strategic agreement with Germany's HOPPECKE Batterien GmbH & Co. to develop and supply battery systems for the Indian rail sector. This collaboration aims to deliver innovative and sustainable energy storage solutions to support India's growing rail transport infrastructure.
Under this agreement, TKIL Industries and HOPPECKE will jointly design, manufacture, and integrate advanced battery systems across various rail applications, including metros, regional trains, and locomotives. Notably, TKIL Industries has already secured its first order under this partnership, with the initial joint project set to roll out in 2025.
With India aiming to double its electric locomotive capacity by 2030, the timing of this partnership is strategic. The number of metro-operational cities is expected to grow from 23 in FY25 to 31 by FY30, driving demand for more than 20,000 electric locomotives. Additionally, around 900 km of metro rail projects are currently under development, supported by an estimated investment of INR 600 crore—highlighting the immense opportunity within the rail battery ecosystem.
TKIL Industries will contribute its expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and project execution, while HOPPECKE brings decades of global experience in industrial energy storage. The collaboration is also expected to expand over time, including the establishment of a localised service infrastructure across India.
Vivek Bhatia, Managing Director and CEO of TKIL Industries, said, "We are honoured to partner with HOPPECKE in this strategic milestone to support India's transition to sustainable rail transport. HOPPECKE brings deep technological expertise in energy storage, while TKIL Industries is known for executing large-scale infrastructure across India. Together, we aim to play a pivotal role in accelerating the electrification of Indian railways—combining innovation, execution capability, and a shared vision for a greener future."
Dr Marc Zoellner, CEO of HOPPECKE Batterien GmbH & Co., commented: "India is a strategically important growth market for sustainable mobility solutions. Our alliance with a respected partner like TKIL Industries represents a major step forward in delivering significant value to India's rail sector through advanced battery technology."
Sachin Jain, Head – Battery at TKIL Industries, added:"Our collaboration with HOPPECKE marks a transformative step in how energy is stored and delivered within rail transport. Together, we are poised to offer next-generation battery systems that are smarter, more efficient, and aligned with the evolving sustainability goals of India's railway operators."
