BEML Ltd. Boosts Aerospace Business in Bengaluru at Devanahalli SEZ

By R. Anil Kumar

Bengaluru. In a significant move to strengthen its aerospace business segment, Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. (BEML), took a major step forward by conducting a “bhoomipujan” ceremony at its 25-acre SEZ land in KIADB Aerospace SEZ, Devanahalli, Bengaluru. The event saw the participation of Mr. Shantanu Roy, Chairman & Managing Director of BEML Ltd, along with functional directors, top officers of BEML, and officials from KIADB (Karnataka Industrial Aerospace Development Board).

Diversifying Operations: Warehousing, Manufacturing, and MRO Services at BEML Aerospace SEZ

BEML’s strategic plan for the SEZ land involves the establishment of a modern warehousing unit in its initial phase.

This move aims to meet the growing demands of nearby industries, particularly in the fields of IT, hardware, aerospace, and aircraft manufacturing.

The warehousing facility will cater to the storage and handling services requirements of numerous entities in the SEZ area, including OEMs and allied partners. The goal is to enhance efficiency and ensure swift customer deliveries.

Karnataka’s Aerospace Hub and Global Significance

The choice of Karnataka for BEML’s aerospace endeavours is strategic, considering the state’s dominance in aerospace investments.

Karnataka attracts a remarkable 65% of the aerospace investments in the country. Moreover, statistics reveal that 67% of the aircraft and helicopters in the possession of the country’s Defence Services originate from Karnataka.

Additionally, a staggering 75% of the expenditure on sourcing from India, undertaken by global aerospace majors and Tier-I suppliers, is concentrated in Karnataka.

BEML Ltd’s expansion into warehousing, manufacturing, and MRO services at its SEZ land aligns with the state’s position as a key player in the aerospace sector. This move is anticipated to not only bolster BEML’s standing in the industry but also contribute significantly to the growth of Karnataka’s aerospace landscape.

BEML R&D

BEML Limited emphasizes that Research & Development (R&D) has been instrumental in fostering innovation, growth, and sustainability.

In a continuously changing business environment, its commitment to R&D has remained unwavering, propelling the company forward and securing its position in the industry.

Throughout the fiscal year 2022-23, the company successfully designed, developed, and upgraded products across all three business verticals – Mining & Construction, Defence and Rail & Metro.

A quick overview of BEML R&D in numbers

₹75 crores spent on R&D during FY 2022-23.

Over 75% of BEML’s business generated through in-house R&D developed products.

R&D expenditure for 2022-23 accounts for 1.91% of revenue and 26.75% of PBT.

BEML has submitted a total of 105 IPRs for registration, including 69 patents, 16 designs, 12 copyrights, and 8 trademarks, surpassing the target of 96 by 9%.

Recently, BEML has Established an Engine Design & Development Centre at Mysuru Complex

BEML Center of Excellences driving Innovation 

BEML has established Centres for Excellence (CoE) at all major manufacturing complexes to foster continuous learning, training, and technological advancements in various fields, including engine development, metro coach fabrication, aerospace, and more.

Bengaluru Complex CoE

It provides training in stainless steel welding and wire harnessing to support metro car manufacturing.

Furthermore, the center provides skill training in crane operations to both contract operators and BEML employees.

Mysuru Complex CoE

Hosts a specialized Center of Excellence for electrical and electronics systems within heavy equipment like dumpers and motor graders.

This center provides comprehensive training covering calibration, wire harnessing, and troubleshooting of the equipment, addressing both practical and theoretical aspects.

Palakkad Complex CoE

It specializes in powertrain mechanisms, covering axles, engines, transmissions, differential assemblies, and electrical systems of heavy vehicles such as TATRA and other equipment used for defence applications.

KGF Complex CoE

The School of Hydraulics & Welding specializes in training for hydraulic systems and welding processes for various types of equipment.

Research & Development Activities

Keeping in view the emerging trends in technology and also in line with the unfolding business scenario, the BEML R&D team has put in place, a plan of action to take up several projects with enhanced allocation of resources.

To achieve this, R&D infrastructure and resources are being continuously strengthenedand upgraded by BEML to handle and cope with the latest technologies effectively.

BEML R&D Plans in Defence

BEML’s R&D department within the defence sector is actively participating in several pivotal projects:

High Mobility (4×4 Cross Country Vehicle): This initiative encompasses the design and development of a high-mobility vehicle capable of traversing rugged and challenging terrains. The 4×4 configuration signifies its possession of four-wheel drive, rendering it suitable for off-road usage.

BEML HMV ET 8×8 (General Service) with 70T Trailer: This project centers on the BEML High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) featuring an 8×8 configuration. The eight-wheel drive augments traction and load-carrying capacity. Additionally, it entails the creation of a 70-ton trailer for transporting heavy loads.

Armoured Protected Mobility Vehicle 4×4: BEML aims to design and develop a 4×4 armoured vehicle optimized for protected mobility.

Indigenous Manufacture of Armoured Cabins: BEML has laid out plans for the domestic production of armoured cabins for military vehicles.

Armoured cabins provide enhanced protection for personnel inside, making them indispensable for defence purposes.

BEML R&D Plans in Rail & Metro

BEML’s Rail & Metro Research and Development (R&D) department is engaged in several noteworthy projects:

Vande Bharat Trains (Sleeper Version). BEML’s R&D team is actively involved in designing and developing sleeper versions of the Vande Bharat Trains.

These trains are renowned for their high-speed capabilities and advanced features. And introducing a sleeper variant is expected to enhance passenger comfort and usage.

Design and Development of 180 kmph Speed Capable Bogies. This project focuses on the creation of bogies (the undercarriage or chassis of a train) capable of supporting speeds of up to 180 kilometres per hour. A critical requirement for high-speed rail services.

Collaboration with IIT Kharagpur.

BEML’s R&D department is collaborating with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur on a project known as “UchatharAvishakar Yojana” (UAY). This partnership primarily focuses on bogie design, to develop medium to high-speed bogies through this joint effort.

Conclusion

The transformation of BEML Limited from a loss-making government-owned enterprise to a profit-making Public Sector giant is nothing but a miracle.

BEML embraces the “Make in India” initiative and has developed products catering to the needs of Defence, Mining, urban transportation, and more.

The company also exports its products to many countries, demonstrating global appreciation and acceptance of its offerings.

About BEML

BEML Limited, a ‘Schedule A’ company under the Ministry of Defence, is a key player in Defence, Rail, Power, Mining, and Construction sectors.

Operating in Defence & Aerospace, Mining & Construction, and Rail & Metro verticals, BEML boasts state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and a robust R&D infrastructure. The company’s nationwide network ensures efficient sales and services.