Airfloa Rail Technology Ltd, an engineering and manufacturing company serving the railway, metro, aerospace and defence sectors, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with KTK Group Co. Ltd to jointly pursue eligible platform screen door (PSD) projects in India.
The proposed collaboration aims to combine KTK’s engineering expertise and proprietary technologies in platform screen door systems with Airfloa’s domestic manufacturing and project execution capabilities. The arrangement is expected to strengthen Airfloa’s presence in specialised railway equipment manufacturing while advancing the localisation of components used in metro infrastructure.
Domestic manufacturing programme
Under the proposed arrangement, Airfloa will lead an Indian manufacturing programme for selected mechanical and electrical components used in full-height platform screen door systems.
The mechanical components identified for domestic production include fixed door panels, emergency exit doors, fixed screens, columns, base supports and platform escape doors. The electrical components will include cables and power supply systems.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening Airfloa’s in-house manufacturing capabilities and increasing domestic participation in the supply chain for specialised railway equipment.
Local manufacturing could also help develop capabilities in components that form part of platform safety and access-control systems used in metro rail infrastructure.
KTK to provide technology and engineering support
KTK will contribute system design, engineering expertise, proprietary technology, technical documentation and technical oversight for its agreed scope of work.
Airfloa, meanwhile, will be responsible for domestic manufacturing, local project management, installation, testing, commissioning and customer coordination for its designated scope.
The two companies intend to pursue eligible platform screen door projects in India through tender-specific joint ventures, consortiums or other permitted arrangements, subject to applicable approvals and project requirements.
The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation, but participation in individual projects will depend on the relevant tenders and the arrangements agreed upon for each project.
Building on railway project experience
Airfloa brings more than 27 years of operating experience to the proposed partnership. The company has two manufacturing facilities and operates across two core business verticals.
It has delivered nine major turnkey railway projects, including Sri Lankan diesel electric multiple unit (DEMU) and mainline export coaches, the Agra–Kanpur Metro, the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), Vistadome coaches and Vande Bharat Express.
The company also supplies global railway original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and multiple divisions of Indian Railways.
Its integrated in-house capabilities span engineering, design, tooling, finishing, material development and assembly, supporting end-to-end project execution across its areas of operation.
Opportunity in metro infrastructure
The proposed partnership provides Airfloa an opportunity to expand its capabilities beyond conventional railway equipment into specialised systems used in metro infrastructure.
Platform screen doors are installed along station platforms to separate passengers from railway tracks. Depending on the system design, they help improve passenger safety, regulate access to tracks and support the operational efficiency of metro stations.
For Airfloa, the collaboration combines access to KTK’s technology with an opportunity to develop domestic manufacturing capabilities in selected components. For KTK, the arrangement offers a local partner for manufacturing and project execution in India.
The commercial significance of the partnership will depend on the companies’ ability to secure eligible tenders, establish project-specific arrangements and translate the proposed manufacturing programme into actual orders.