Focus on quality to compete with International players: Mr. Ravinder Gupta, GM, Rail Coach Factory(RCF), Kapurthala

No.PR-171 July 22, 2020 New Delhi Focus on quality to compete with International players: Mr. Ravinder Gupta, GM, Rail Coach Factory(RCF), Kapurthala “Industry should focus on quality to compete with international industry players” stated Mr. Ravinder Gupta, GM, Rail Coach Factory(RCF), Kapurthala. He was interacting with industry members at a Video Conference on Vendor Development Opportunities for Rail Coach Factory organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) jointly with Invest Punjab here today. In his address, Mr. Gupta stated that RCF manufactures all variants of Rail coaches and also exports to various countries. RCF has a strong quality system in place. It has capacity to manufacture world class coaches and has certification from major international bodies. Mr. Gupta added that RCF was first major industry to start operations during covid lockdown and is now working at its full capacity and is striving to increase production further. He mentioned that with increase in production, the procurement volume will also increase creating further opportunities for vendors. He informed that during covid lockdown, RCF released bills amounting to Rs. 280 crores to help the industry in distress. He said that covid-19 crisis has necessitated a relook at various aspects of business like need for labour pool of State, provision of adequate rentable accommodation to retain trained labour, availability of common lab facilities and common pool of specialized industry to cater to service industry. Mr. Gupta informed that RCF has a very transparent and strong vendor system and payments are released online. He told that open tenders are made for orders valuing Rs. 25 lacs and above. Replying to media query, Mr. Gupta informed that RCF has manufactured 2 post covid coaches that have safety measures against the contagion. The facilities include copper coated handles and latches, provision of plasma air equipment in AC ducts to sterilize surfaces with use of ionized air, nano coating in coaches, provision of hands free amenities like foot operated water taps, soap dispensers for wash basins, etc. He stated that excluding the cost of plasma air purification and titanium di-oxide coating, additional expense of Rs. 2.5 lacs and Rs. 5.00 lacs approx. was incurred for providing above safety measures in non-AC and AC coaches respectively.He informed that so far 2 post covid coaches have been supplied to North Western Railway. Briefly introducing Invest Punjab, Mr. Rajat Agarwal, IAS, CEO, Invest Punjab stated that Invest Punjab acts as a unified regulator and a single point of contact for investors to get various clearances. Team Invest Punjab made a presentation to highlight the facilities like affordable quality power, attractive fiscal incentives, excellent infrastructure, peaceful labour and availability of land in Punjab for investors. It was pointed out that Punjab ranks second in Ease of Doing Business. Moreover, the Right to Business Act of Punjab contains many enabling provisions that facilitate business in the state. Mr. Agarwal mentioned that Railways has strong presence in the country and there are great opportunities for vendors and suppliers of equipment to Railways.The presence of RCF in Kapurthala provides a great opportunity to vendors in the State. He informed that land was also available at various industrial focal points that are well connected with road and rail. Earlier, initiating the discussions, Mr. RS Sachdeva, Mentor, Punjab State Chapter, PHDCCI thanked Invest Punjab for associating with the program and said that RCF has liberalized vendor development and Punjab Industry will greatly benefit from the same. Welcoming the speakers and participants, Mr. Karan Gilhotra, Chair, Punjab State Chapter, PHDCCI appreciated the support being provided by Invest Punjab in the critical situation created by covid-19 pandemic. Sharing their experiences as vendors of RCF, Mr. Kunal Jain, of Railtech India and Mr. Vivek Abrol, Director, Abrol Engineering Company Pvt. Ltd. said that they have been dealing with RCF for long and have never faced any problem. Thanking the speakers and participants, Mr. R S Sachdeva and Mr. Karan Gilhotra said that as suggested by GM, RCF, PHD Chamber will act as a bridge between RCF and Invest Punjab to facilitate industry. Ends Media Division PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry