BANGALORE: Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. (BEML) on Saturday rolled out 29 of the 178 Bogie Flat Arjun Tank (BFAT) wagons of military rail ordered by the Army.

Gen. J.J. Singh, Chief of the Army Staff, formally flagged off the wagons here. Induction of the wagons is expected to boost the Army's ability to transport heavy equipment and tanks, increasing its combat preparedness.

"BEML has been working overtime to produce these vehicles, floating bridges and rolling equipment. It has been able to indigenise progressively in a significant manner, helping the country's self-reliance," Gen. Singh said. Indigenisation would help meet the country's requirements as well those dependent on India for such equipment.

V.R.S. Natarajan, Chairman and Managing Director, BEML, said 178 BFAT wagons were manufactured within the specified timeframe of 12 months. But the rollout was delayed owing to shortage of wheels. "The remaining 149 wagons will be ready in the next three months."

Lt. Gen. P.K. Singh, Director-General (Operation and Logistics), said on the direction of the Army Chief to improve operational manoeuvrability, the Directorate worked on a three-pronged strategy for wagons to transport men and material. Orders were placed with BEML and the Railways. Repeat orders were being placed with BEML.

The BFAT wagon is primarily used for transportation of Arjun tanks. The under-frame is flat, with dimension of 14,500 mm x 3,550 mm. It can carry a load of 61 tonnes. The wagon is fitted with tri-axle fabricated bogie, specially designed to carry heavier loads. It is provided with an air-brake system and a through vacuum pipe.

Tatra trucks

BEML has bagged an order for supply of 1,400 Tatra vehicles to the Army. Under this contract worth Rs. 700 crore, Tatra trucks will be delivered in the next 15 months, an official of BEML said.

With operational flexibility and functional adaptability, the range of Tatra heavy-duty trucks are extensively deployed for cross-country transportation. Among the Tatra vehicles built by BEML are the BEML-Tatra T815 VTI 8X8, a terrain vehicle mainly used for tank transportation, the T815 VVNC 8X8, used for mounting radar and bridge-laying system, and T815 VI 4X4, a high-mobility vehicle deployed for transport of personnel and material.

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