India's national transporter, Indian Railways, has assumed control over the forged steel wheel manufacturing unit of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) in the state of Uttar Pradesh, as per government source.

 The acquisition includes a payment of approximately $108 million to RINL and the assumption of $120 million in debt liabilities. 

RINL had invested $271 million in the plant, which has an installed capacity of 80,000 forged wheels per year.

However, due to financial constraints and a lack of expertise in forging operations, RINL was unable to operate the plant at full capacity.

Indian Railways aims to produce 40,000 units in the first phase and 60,000 units in the second phase, with the remaining stock being exported in the future.

This move is part of the 'Make in India' campaign, promoting indigenous capacity and self-reliance in the forged wheels sector.