| Now, we are setting our eyes on the
global market and will strive to be a world leader in railway products in times to
come,’’ says Reddy. It should not be a difficult agenda for Medha. right from
its inception in 1984, the company has been able to uphold its image as an R&D hub
that meets globally-accepted standards in quality. From simple speed recorders to the
complex range of entire locomotive control systems, Medha today is synonymous with cutting
edge-technology and a diverse range of products for the Railways. For Medha’s products, Reddy sees a lot of market potential.
‘‘There are two ways in which we can access global market. There are a few
manufacturers who make entire railway-system and complete projects on turnkey basis.
However, they do outsource some products in the process. Medha can easily become a
preferred vendor for them. The other approach is to go directly to the third world
countries. We are keeping both options open,’’ he explains.
As a scientist and innovator, Reddy is leading Medha on
innovation path. ‘‘I believe in constant upgradation of production process. Our
design and development wing is our major strength,’’ he says adding:
‘‘Medha will take on its global competitors through its unique electronic
equipment.’’ The fruits of R&D efforts are already pouring in.
While Medha’s tachograph systems are preferred by the
Indian Railways, they also beat products of GE, a global player in microprocessor based
locomotive control systems, in accuracy and reliability, says Reddy.
There is more in store. The company is developing solid state
interlocking signaling system that will go a long way in bringing down the rate of
accidents and the scope for human error.
‘‘From smoke-systems to piloting and man-made
signals, the signalling system has traveled on a long journey. Now electronics is taking
over.
Our solid state interlocking system is most advanced and
helps eliminating human error, ’’ he says. Once fully developed, no doubt this
advanced system will be of great relevance in view of the increase in accidents due to
human error.
Medha has also set a tradition of building close relationship
with its employees. ‘‘For us, they are like our kids and the company is a
family.
In fact, the current buoyancy of our company is due to the
sacrifices our staff have made in the initial period. I kept telling them that a day will
come when they can proudly look back and say ‘Yes. We have achieved something’.
And now, we are very close to it,’’ adds Reddy
-G Naga Sridhar
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