Skipper engineering the backbone of smart railway electrification

The company’s products and turnkey EPC offerings span the entire voltage spectrum, ranging from 33 kV distribution poles to 765 kV transmission lines, and support major railway electrification and metro expansion projects across India.

India is rapidly progressing toward Electricity 4.0, an era defined by digital, decarbonised and distributed energy systems. In this shift, key sectors, such as Railways and Metro, are undergoing major changes. Boosted by technological advancements, forward-looking policies and the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure, this transition hinges on the development of future-ready power transmission networks. At the forefront of this movement is Skipper Limited, a trusted leader in manufacturing transmission towers and poles, as well as providing comprehensive EPC solutions that facilitate the next wave of the country’s energy and mobility evolution.

Intelligent Systems

Electricity 4.0 is more than just electrification. It is about intelligent, interconnected energy systems that leverage IoT, smart grids, renewable energy integration, and predictive analytics. The country’s vast railway network, one of the largest globally, has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. To realise this vision, the electrification of railway routes, digital system upgrades, and the adoption of energy-efficient technologies are vital.

In parallel, metro rail systems are expanding rapidly across urban landscapes, necessitating not only reliable propulsion systems but also uninterrupted high-voltage power supply, integrated substations and resilient physical infrastructure. The foundation for this transformation is a robust transmission and distribution (T&D) framework.

Strengthening Smart Electrification

With over four decades of experience, Skipper Limited has played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s infrastructure through world-class transmission and distribution (T&D) solutions. Operating with a current capacity of 300,000 MTPA and aiming to scale up to 375,000 MTPA by FY25, Skipper is one of the largest integrated producers of transmission towers, monopoles and distribution structures in the country. The company’s products and turnkey EPC offerings span the entire voltage spectrum, ranging from 33 kV distribution poles to 765 kV transmission lines, and support major railway electrification and metro expansion projects across India. Skipper has supplied critical components for overhead electrification (OHE) and substations in several key railway zones, thereby contributing to Indian Railways’ ambitious electrification targets.

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Sustainability lies at the core of the Electricity 4.0 vision. Skipper is committed to responsible manufacturing through GreenCo-rated and ISO 14001-certified operations. The DSIR-approved R&D Centre of the company continually innovates to deliver structures that are lighter, stronger, and longer-lasting, minimising material usage and reducing environmental impact. The galvanised steel poles and lattice structures used by the company in railway and metro applications are engineered for high load-bearing capacity, rapid installation, and minimal maintenance, ensuring greater reliability and extended asset life. Skipper is also pioneering compact substations and modular steel solutions that suit the spatial constraints of dense urban metro corridors.

Global-Grade Quality

Embracing the digital shift in the Electricity 4.0 landscape, Skipper is leveraging end-to-end digitalisation to enhance operational efficiency. The implementation of SAP S/4HANA Rise enables real-time project tracking, predictive maintenance and streamlined coordination across manufacturing and field operations. The manufacturing excellence of Skipper is backed by globally recognised quality certifications, ensuring compliance with international standards. This positions the firm as a trusted supplier in over 60 countries.

Road Ahead

India is heading toward Electricity 4.0, demanding partners with vision, innovation, and execution strength. Skipper is committed not only to meeting current infrastructure needs but also to shaping the future. The company’s long-term strategy includes expanding capacity to 600,000 MTPA, enhancing EPC capabilities, and investing in technologies such as digital twins and advanced grid systems.

As the nation reimagines its energy and mobility future, Skipper is proud to be a driving force, powering progress, structure by structure and circuit by circuit, towards a digitally connected, electrified, and sustainable India.