Kolar Gold Fields, Karnataka, Oct 9 (UNI) With a huge demand for metro coaches seen in the near future, Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) is working on collaborating with MNCs to manufacture multiple bogies to cater to the needs of Indian Railways and Metros, Chairman and Managing Director V R S Natarajan said today.

Speaking at a function for dedication of BEML Railcoach Unit II here, he said ''as multiple projects will go on stream mainly in the metro space, rail bogies are bound to be scarce.

''We are looking for collaborations for JVs in producing multiple bogie for supply to Railways and Metros.'' He said BEML had recently tied up with Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS) for foraying into turnkey Metro Projects in Bangalore, Kochi, Hyderabad. The tie-up would usher a new era of growth for Metro Rail business.

Mr Natarajan said the BEML Consortium expected to sign Memorandum of Understanding within next ten days with Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC) for enhancing its Rs 1,140 crore order for bogies from 152 to 190.

Opening of the second Railway Unit here would enable fulfilling the demand for coaches for both Metros, Railways and Defence.

The BEML had become the second largest mining and coal company in Asia, next only to Japan, with world class R and D Centre, he claimed.

''We are keen to establish similar National R and D Centre of Excellence for Metro Coaches with Planning Commission sanctioning a grant of Rs 125 crore on the lines of National Automotive Technology and Research Project.

''This project is in the advanced stage of approval with the union Cabinet.

''With this world class R and D Centre, the country would become a global hub for sourcing Metro Products and Components like the auto industry today,'' he said.

UNI