In a significant achievement for India's railway manufacturing sector, the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi has once again secured a prestigious international quality certification. The plant has been awarded the Silver Grade Certificate under the International Railway Industry Standard (IRIS) for the latest ISO 22163 standard. The certification was conferred by UNIFE, the European railway industry association.
A Consecutive Victory for Indian Manufacturing
This marks the second consecutive year that BLW has received this esteemed recognition, solidifying its position as a quality leader. The achievement underscores the consistent commitment to world-class manufacturing processes at the Varanasi facility. Principal Chief Electrical Engineer S K Srivastava extended his congratulations to the entire BLW workforce, highlighting that this milestone was accomplished under the leadership of General Manager Somesh Kumar.
Echoing this sentiment, Chief Design Engineer (Diesel) Pravein Kumar attributed the certification to the hard work and dedication of all BLW employees. Their collective effort has propelled the unit to this repeated international acclaim.
Pioneering Status and Rigorous Audit Process
This accomplishment is historic, as BLW is the first railway locomotive manufacturing unit in India to receive the IRIS certification. The certification process is notoriously rigorous, requiring compliance with ten critical quality standards. BLW managed to fulfill all these mandates in record time, demonstrating exceptional operational discipline.
For the audit, UNIFE appointed Bengaluru-based DQS Certification as the official agency. A dedicated audit team from DQS conducted an intensive, continuous seven-day evaluation at the BLW premises. Following this thorough assessment, the team recommended BLW for the Silver Grade Certification, a recommendation that was swiftly approved.
Global Market Implications and Future Prospects
The renewal of the IRIS certification is more than just an award; it is a powerful business enabler. With this globally recognized standard, BLW is poised to see increased demand for its diesel and electric locomotives in the international market. The certification serves as a trusted seal of quality for potential foreign buyers and partners, opening doors to new export opportunities.
By securing the IRIS Silver Grade for the second year in a row, BLW has not only added another feather to its cap but has also reinforced India's growing reputation as a reliable and high-quality manufacturer in the global railway industry. The achievement sets a benchmark for other public sector undertakings and highlights the potential of 'Make in India' on the world stage.
