Date:25/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/02/25/stories/2006022503910900.htm

Back Jessop on expansion drive

Our Bureau

Kolkata, Feb. 24

Cheered by the Railway Budget presented today , the private sector coach and wagon manufacturing major Jessop & Co is embarking upon a capacity expansion drive in both the coach and wagon divisions. "We are definitely happy but not surprised by the Railway minister's announcements to enhance wagon production by 25 per cent and increase in procurement of coaches. While the Railways is now aggressively trying to regain its lost share from the road transport sector, the buoyancy in the economy would necessitate enhancement in cargo handling capacity," says Mr P.K. Ruia, Chairman of Jessop. The company, which witnessed a manifold increase in its wagon procurement order from 305 in 2004-05 to 809 in 2005-06, is now expecting further spurt in demand. The details of the plan will be finalised shortly.