Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone in freight mobility with the inauguration of a new Loco Manufacturing Shop in Dahod, Gujarat. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi unveiled the facility, which is designed to produce 1,200 state-of-the-art electric freight locomotives, each boasting a formidable 9,000 horsepower (HP) capacity.

This development is poised to substantially enhance India's engineering prowess and industrial ambitions within the freight sector. These new locomotives, capable of hauling 4,500 to 5,000 tonnes even on steep gradients, are considered game-changers for heavy-duty freight movement. Built under the 'Make in India' initiative, 89 per cent of their components are domestically sourced, aligning with both 'Make in India' and 'Make for World' visions, thus opening doors for exports.

The 9,000 HP locomotive stands as the most powerful single-unit electric engine ever developed for Indian Railways, surpassing previous 4,500 HP or 6,000 HP units. Unlike existing 12,000 HP engines formed by coupling two 6,000 HP units, the Dahod-built locomotive offers a unified, high-powered solution for longer and heavier trains, addressing congestion on high-density corridors.

The manufacturing process itself is powered by green energy, earning the facility a "Green Manufacturing" tag. The locomotive design includes regenerative braking, feeding electricity back into the grid, further reducing its carbon footprint. Equipped with safety features like Kavach (India's indigenous train collision avoidance system), modern air-conditioned driver cabins, and onboard cameras, these engines are engineered for both safety and comfort. A virtual reality training model has also been developed for mechanics and drivers.