PPS International: Redefining Railway Technology With Homegrown Expertise
With one of the largest railway networks in the world, India has recognized the importance of adopting advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency, safety, and passenger experience of its railways. The railway technology solutions industry is revolutionizing the Indian rail sector by improving operational efficiency, reducing delays, enhancing safety measures, and providing a seamless travel experience for passengers. The Indian railway system faces a significant challenge in the interruption of train and locomotive movement within railway maintenance depots and workshops due to the absence of overhead OHE(overhead equipment) caused by crane movements for heavy lifting. Addressing this concern, PPS International, an ISO 9001:2015 & IRIS certified firm, has introduced an innovative solution known as ‘Retractable Rigid Catenary System (RRCS)’. This 100 percent indigenously innovated and developed product offers a streamlined approach to train movement. PPS International’s cutting-edge solution represents a significant step towards improving efficiency and optimizing the functioning of the Indian railway system.Founded in 2003, PPS International is an esteemed engineering solutions firm established in Noida by P.K Agarwal and Pratibha Agarwal who is the Founder & CEO. The company specializes in manufacturing highly advanced components for Railway and Metro applications, with a particular focus on 3-phase Rolling Stocks and 25 kV OHE(Overhead Equipment) traction. With a steadfast commitment to technological excellence, PPS International delivers cutting-edge solutions that cater to the specific requirements of the railway and metro industries. Through expertise and dedication, the team has over the years, positioned PPS International as a trusted provider of high-quality and technologically sophisticated components, contributing to the advancement of the railway and metro sectors in India.
“Our main aim has been to introduce only high tech components or equipment, which are either not available in the country or if it can bring some value addition to the country. With our constant R&D efforts and 2 world-class manufacturing units, we have been quite successful in introducing several new technologically advanced equipment in the country and import substitute under ‘Make in India’ and made India self-reliant (Atma Nirbhar), which has saved costly foreign exchange to the country”, shares P.K.Agarwal, Founder& CEO, PPS International.
Retractable Rigid Catenary System
The innovative RRCS developed by PPS International offers a groundbreaking solution to the challenges faced by the Indian railway system during maintenance operations. By implementing the RRCS, the system can seamlessly overcome interruptions caused by crane movements and ensure smooth operations within maintenance depots and workshops. This eliminates the need for additional hauling systems and simplifies maintenance tasks, making it easier to move locomotives or entire train sets within depots using their own power.
The RRCS system comprises motorized or nonmotorized rigid conductors mounted on movable arms fixed to the shed's wall. These arms can be rotated up to 90 degrees, providing maintenance staff safe access to the locomotive’s roof without the presence of live overhead wires. Additionally, the system allows for the safe movement of cranes. The retractable feature ensures that the overhead electrification can be switched off and retracted to the side once the locomotive is in position.
The RRCS offers several advantages over traditional overhead electrification systems like enhancing safety by eliminating the need for workers to come into contact with live wires promoting energy-efficiency; improving flexibility which facilitates adaptation to different track layouts and rolling stock types, and more. The technology’s potential extends beyond railways, as it can also be applied to mines, ports, and heavy industries, providing long term benefits to Indian industries.
However, despite the potential and capabilities of Indian companies to develop RRCS systems for domestic projects, there exists a significant lack of opportunities as a preference is often given to importing these systems at premium prices. While the cost of imports ranges around 16-17 crores, Indian companies can deliver the same solutions for 10-12 crores, offering the added advantage of better adaptation to Indian conditions and round-the-clock service support.
Although the concepts of Atma Nirbhar Bharat and Make In India are actively promoted, there remains a disparity between aspirations and actions, largely influenced by past experiences. This disparity hampers the growth and opportunities available to local players, hindering their ability to show case their potential and contribute to the development of domestic solutions.
“We at PPS International are looking forward to becoming the first installation in the Indian Railway Shed. The government must invite Indian companies to install such solutions by giving them entry into both existing and new projects to make India fully Atma Nirbhar. It requires a push from the top and conditions more like defense and space where thousands and thousands of items have been fully banned for imports to boost the Indian Defense Industry. Indigenous manufacturers are going to change their perspective on infrastructure projects. Firms like PPS International are bringing new technologies and innovations against import substitutes every year for Railways/Metro operators which must be rewarded”, further adds P.K. Agarwal.
Product Portfolio
PPS International has developed more than 25 import substitutes for locomotives and OHEs, which were previously dominated by a few foreign suppliers holding a monopoly in the Indian Railways. Despite the lack of interest from Indian companies due to low quantities, PPS International took the initiative to develop these items, becoming the approved supplier for CLW and continuously supplying to CLW, BLW, and PLW at nearly half the price of imported alternatives.
With a strong R&D team, PPS International designs and develops various electronics, electrical, electro-mechanical, and mechanical products. Their extensive inhouse machine shop is equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including CNC machines, plastic injection molding machines, laser cutting, and more, allowing them to produce 100 percent of the components internally.
In PT Communication Systems a sister concern, PPS International specializes in manufacturing Passenger Information Systems (PAPIS), CCTV systems, and Infotainment systems. PPS is the only company in India producing PAPIS with true European quality at Indian prices. The equipment designed by PPS has been installed in renowned trains such as Vande Bharat, Vistadome, SPIC, Mozambique trains, Anubhuti coaches, the majority of EMU’s and MEMU trains, and LHB Economy AC coaches. This success has positioned PPS International as a top player in the industry.
“According to me, Indian products are much better than any foreign products and the reason is that foreign products are pushed in India as the way it has been made as they don’t customize as per Indian conditions, whereas Indian products are produced keeping in mind the Indian conditions. Therefore, in the long run, Indian products perform better and it is more cost-effective as well besides having spares available at reasonable prices with full local service support”, adds P.K. Agarwal.
To ensure the success of initiatives like Make in India, Local to Global, and Atma Nirbhar Bharat, it is imperative to develop a suitable mechanism that fosters a genuine commitment to promoting and supporting local industries. This mechanism should encourage and enable the utilization of domestically manufactured products and services, eliminating the barriers and biases that currently hinder their growth. By doing so, one can truly harness the potential of Indian companies like PPS International and drive the growth of a self-reliant and globally competitive nation.
With a strong R&D team, PPS International designs & develops various electronics, electrical, electro mechanical, & mechanical products
Product Portfolio
PPS International has developed more than 25 import substitutes for locomotives and OHEs, which were previously dominated by a few foreign suppliers holding a monopoly in the Indian Railways. Despite the lack of interest from Indian companies due to low quantities, PPS International took the initiative to develop these items, becoming the approved supplier for CLW and continuously supplying to CLW, BLW, and PLW at nearly half the price of imported alternatives.
With a strong R&D team, PPS International designs and develops various electronics, electrical, electro-mechanical, and mechanical products. Their extensive inhouse machine shop is equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including CNC machines, plastic injection molding machines, laser cutting, and more, allowing them to produce 100 percent of the components internally.
In PT Communication Systems a sister concern, PPS International specializes in manufacturing Passenger Information Systems (PAPIS), CCTV systems, and Infotainment systems. PPS is the only company in India producing PAPIS with true European quality at Indian prices. The equipment designed by PPS has been installed in renowned trains such as Vande Bharat, Vistadome, SPIC, Mozambique trains, Anubhuti coaches, the majority of EMU’s and MEMU trains, and LHB Economy AC coaches. This success has positioned PPS International as a top player in the industry.
“According to me, Indian products are much better than any foreign products and the reason is that foreign products are pushed in India as the way it has been made as they don’t customize as per Indian conditions, whereas Indian products are produced keeping in mind the Indian conditions. Therefore, in the long run, Indian products perform better and it is more cost-effective as well besides having spares available at reasonable prices with full local service support”, adds P.K. Agarwal.
To ensure the success of initiatives like Make in India, Local to Global, and Atma Nirbhar Bharat, it is imperative to develop a suitable mechanism that fosters a genuine commitment to promoting and supporting local industries. This mechanism should encourage and enable the utilization of domestically manufactured products and services, eliminating the barriers and biases that currently hinder their growth. By doing so, one can truly harness the potential of Indian companies like PPS International and drive the growth of a self-reliant and globally competitive nation.