Harsh Dhingra Consultant

Stainless steel revolutionising metro and rail travel — from car bodies to energy efficiency, says Harsh Dhingra, Management Consultant (Rail and Metro).

With four decades in rail-focused engineering and consulting — including a key role as the former Chief Country Representative at Bombardier Transportation India — Harsh Dhingra brings deep insights into the evolution of stainless steel use in metro and railway systems. In this exclusive interview, he explains the near-universal adoption of stainless steel in metro car bodies, the introduction of advanced alloys that trim weight and boost energy efficiency and the sustained 8–10 per cent annual growth in coach demand that points to a secure future for stainless steel in rail transport.

Tell us about your work profile.

Having worked in the private limited sector for the last 40 years, I have been now working as a consultant in the field of railways and metros for the last five-six years. My last position was in Bombardier Transportation India, which is the major supplier of steel for railways and metros.

Is stainless steel widely used in metro cars today?

Yes, today almost 100 per cent of metro cars use stainless steel, especially for the car body. Only one or two projects have used aluminium instead.

Has stainless steel technology improved in recent years?

Absolutely. Over the last decade, there have been significant improvements in stainless steel technology. New alloys have been adopted, which have helped reduce the overall car body weight.

Why is reducing the weight of metro cars important?

A lighter car body means better energy efficiency. So, from an energy perspective, newer stainless steel technologies are being adopted to enhance performance.

How has the industry responded to these stainless steel innovations?

The new stainless steel solutions have been well accepted by both manufacturers and operators due to their energy efficiency and durability.

What is the current demand trend for stainless steel in rail applications?

There has been a consistent demand for stainless steel in metro and rail applications over the past five-six years, and this is expected to continue for the next 10 years.

What is driving this continuous demand?

Coach production is increasing by around 8–10 per cent each year. With rising demand for passenger coaches, especially in metro systems and rolling stock, the need for stainless steel is growing steadily.

How do newer train models, like the Vande Bharat trains, impact stainless steel demand?

The introduction and growing popularity of modern trains like the Vande Bharat series in India are further boosting the demand for stainless steel coaches.

What’s the long-term outlook for stainless steel in railway applications?

Stainless steel has a strong future in the railway sector, with continued high demand expected over the next 8–10 years due to increasing passenger traffic and coach production.