RITES Limited, a transport infrastructure consultancy and engineering company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Steel, Government of India. The MoU sets the framework for joint collaboration to support SAIL’s plants and mines through specialised railway services, including wet leasing of locomotives and higher schedule maintenance for SAIL-owned diesel-electric locomotives.
Under the agreement, RITES will provide locomotive leasing along with operation and maintenance support, as well as undertake higher schedule maintenance of diesel-electric locomotives owned by SAIL. The partnership is aimed at improving the efficiency, reliability and safety of SAIL’s captive railway operations, enabling smoother rail logistics while allowing SAIL to remain focused on its core steel production activities.
RITES has been associated with SAIL for over two decades, supporting operations across plants through its experience in locomotive leasing, railway operations and maintenance services. The MoU formalises this long-term engagement and supports stronger rail-based logistics, which remain critical as SAIL continues to expand production capacity.
RITES Ltd is a Government of India enterprise and a leading consultancy organization in the field of transport infrastructure. It was established in 1974 and operates under the Ministry of Railways. The company provides services such as planning, design, engineering, and project management for railways, highways, airports, ports, and urban transport systems. RITES Ltd is known for its technical expertise and has successfully executed projects not only in India but also in many other countries, contributing to infrastructure development worldwide.
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) is one of the largest steel-making companies in India and a Maharatna public sector enterprise. It was founded in 1973 and plays a key role in the country’s industrial and economic development. SAIL operates several integrated steel plants and special steel plants across India, producing a wide range of steel products used in construction, engineering, railways, and defense. The company is known for its strong focus on quality, innovation, and sustainable steel production.
