RITES, a leading transport infrastructure consultancy and engineering firm, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Steel Authority of India (SAIL).

The MoU outlines a collaboration to enhance SAIL’s railway operations by providing specialized services, including wet leasing of locomotives and higher schedule maintenance of SAIL-owned diesel-electric locomotives. RITES will offer locomotive leasing along with operation and maintenance (O&M) support to improve the efficiency, reliability, and safety of SAIL’s in-house railway systems, allowing the company to focus more on its core steel production operations. This long-term engagement builds on RITES’ two-decade-long relationship with SAIL, leveraging its extensive experience in railway operations and maintenance.

According to RITES officials, the collaboration will help strengthen the rail-based logistics crucial for supporting SAIL’s growing steel production capacity.