Indian Railways and Wabtec partner to boost global locomotive exports

26 Sep 2024 CW Team

Indian Railways has partnered with Wabtec Locomotive Private Limited to expand the export of locomotives to Africa and other global markets, as part of efforts to strengthen India’s role as a manufacturing hub. According to an official release, Wabtec will offer its Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives, which feature a 4,500 HP Evolution Series engine known for best-in-class fuel efficiency and proven performance in high-temperature environments, to customers worldwide.

For the first time, the Marhowra plant in Bihar will produce locomotives specifically for international clients, with deliveries set to begin in 2025. The project is strategically significant as it aligns with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’ initiatives under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It also establishes the Marhowra plant as a global exporter of standard-gauge locomotives, expanding the local supplier network, fostering long-term job creation, and boosting the Indian economy.

The partnership has established the Marhowra facility as a key global manufacturing center, utilising a strong local supplier base across India. Indian Railways currently operates a fleet of around 650 newly constructed locomotives from this collaboration. Moving forward, Wabtec and the Ministry of Railways plan to further enhance the plant’s capacity and competitiveness to support sustainable export manufacturing.

The Marhowra facility, which spans 70 acres, was established in 2018 with a mandate to produce 1,000 advanced locomotives for Indian Railways. Employing around 600 people, the plant currently supplies an average of 100 locomotives annually to Indian Railways and has played a significant role in the region’s industrial growth.

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