Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) has got 4% VAT exemption (Rs 580 mn) from Karnataka Government for supplying coaches to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation.

Reports quoted V R S Natarajan, Chairman and Managing Director, BEML, This gesture of Karnataka Government makes us competitive both in the international and domestic markets.

Reports stated that the company was assured of the concession for five years a few years ago. Bangalore Metro (Namma Metro) is being executed by a BEML-led consortium which includes Mitsubishi and Hyundai-Rotem. While Mitsubishi will supply the traction for the coaches, Hyundai-Rotem will supply components. BEML will integrate, test and commission the coaches.

We are looking forward to bagging intermediate coach orders from them. Work on this will commence shortly. The company is also looking forward for extension of Metro project to link Kolar and Mysore in the future, Natarajan was further quoted as saying.

Reports quoted Sivasailam, MD, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation, as saying that, BEML has given us good support, especially during the trial phase. We have asked them to provide a direct link to their depot for servicing of Metro coaches and also during emergencies.