In a boost to India’s rail exports and domestic manufacturing, Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) has successfully delivered two of ten planned 3 300 horsepower AC AC diesel-electric locomotives to Mozambique.

The contract, awarded by Mozambique Railways (CFM) to public sector undertaking RITES, entails the manufacture and supply of ten Cape Gauge (1 067 mm) locomotives by December 2025. The first two units were shipped in June.

“These state-of-the-art diesel locomotives, capable of 100 km/h, have been manufactured at BLW under the global contract awarded to RITES,” a senior railway ministry official stated. BLW has previously supplied locomotives to Mozambique since 2008–09, delivering a total of ten 3 000 HP diesel units to CFM, including five between FY 2021–22 and FY 2022–23.

The newly exported 3 300 HP locomotives feature driver-centric enhancements such as air-conditioned cabs, hot plates, refrigerators, mobile holders, and toilets, all built to international standards.

On 20 June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also flagged off a modern locomotive from the Marhowrah plant—the first ever exported to the Republic of Guinea.

Established in 1956, Banaras Locomotive Works, formerly Diesel Locomotive Works, has since produced over 10 000 locomotives for Indian Railways and various industries, including steel, mining, ports, and international markets.