Railways eyes exports for repurposed diesel locomotives
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Railways eyes exports for repurposed diesel locomotives

As Indian Railways accelerates its network electrification, it is looking to repurpose its soon-to-be-retired diesel locomotives for export markets, particularly targeting African nations. RITES, a railway public sector unit, is collaborating with the Railway Ministry’s design team to overhaul diesel locomotives, which still have a serviceable life of 15-20 years, to meet export demands.

RITES has secured two export orders for refurbished Indian locomotives from mineral and steel sectors in South Africa—one valued at Rs 350 million and another at Rs 500 million, each for three locomotives. The orders vary based on factors like locomotive horsepower and remaining operational lifespan.

"African countries rely heavily on rail networks for mineral transport, making our secondhand locomotives an affordable solution," noted RITES Chairman Rahul Mithal, comparing the arrangement to purchasing a used car.

One key challenge is adapting India’s broad gauge (1,676 mm) locomotives to Africa’s Cape Gauge (1,067 mm) network, prevalent in over a dozen African nations. RITES plans to purchase six locomotives from Indian Railways and modify the bogies, wheels, and underframe to fit the Cape Gauge standard. This marks the first time gauge conversion is being attempted for in-service locomotives, which could open significant export revenue potential.

RITES, currently finalising the design for these modifications, expects approval within 4-6 months. With 10,238 electric and 4,543 diesel locomotives as of last year, Indian Railways anticipates a steady pipeline of surplus diesel engines as electrification progresses, offering an opportunity for RITES to expand into the export market and drive revenue growth. (The Hindu)

As Indian Railways accelerates its network electrification, it is looking to repurpose its soon-to-be-retired diesel locomotives for export markets, particularly targeting African nations. RITES, a railway public sector unit, is collaborating with the Railway Ministry’s design team to overhaul diesel locomotives, which still have a serviceable life of 15-20 years, to meet export demands. RITES has secured two export orders for refurbished Indian locomotives from mineral and steel sectors in South Africa—one valued at Rs 350 million and another at Rs 500 million, each for three locomotives. The orders vary based on factors like locomotive horsepower and remaining operational lifespan. African countries rely heavily on rail networks for mineral transport, making our secondhand locomotives an affordable solution, noted RITES Chairman Rahul Mithal, comparing the arrangement to purchasing a used car. One key challenge is adapting India’s broad gauge (1,676 mm) locomotives to Africa’s Cape Gauge (1,067 mm) network, prevalent in over a dozen African nations. RITES plans to purchase six locomotives from Indian Railways and modify the bogies, wheels, and underframe to fit the Cape Gauge standard. This marks the first time gauge conversion is being attempted for in-service locomotives, which could open significant export revenue potential. RITES, currently finalising the design for these modifications, expects approval within 4-6 months. With 10,238 electric and 4,543 diesel locomotives as of last year, Indian Railways anticipates a steady pipeline of surplus diesel engines as electrification progresses, offering an opportunity for RITES to expand into the export market and drive revenue growth. (The Hindu)

Next Story
Resources

REHAU acquires 1.05-acre land in Sri City

REHAU, the global polymer solutions provider, has acquired 1.05 acres of industrial land in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, marking a key milestone in its expansion strategy in India. The land, secured on a 99-year lease, is located adjacent to the RED Star Polymers facility and will support scaling up the company’s manufacturing operations.This acquisition closely follows REHAU’s majority stake purchase (51 per cent) in RED Star Polymers Pvt Ltd, a PVC edgeband manufacturer, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Indian market. The site offers strategic advantages in proximity, infrastruct..

Next Story
Resources

BSH unveils Bosch and Siemens brand store in Kolkata

BSH Home Appliances, a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH and global leader in premium home appliances, has launched its first exclusive Bosch and Siemens brand store in Kolkata. Located in the upscale Dhakuria neighbourhood, the store signifies BSH’s strategic push in East India, a region where it has recorded a 26 per cent CAGR between 2019 and 2025.Spanning 1,450 sq ft for Bosch and 850 sq ft for Siemens, the new showroom is operated in partnership with Multi-Channel Electronics. It offers customers a hands-on experience of BSH’s latest innovations, including AI-enabled ovens, high-capa..

Next Story
Products

Trusted Termite Solutions

Envu’s Premise, formulated with Imidacloprid 30.5% SC, is India’s only termiticide validated by CBRI and GreenPro. This non-repellent soil treatment eliminates entire termite colonies effectively. Trusted by architects, builders, and pest control professionals, Premise ensures long-lasting protection with a proven safety and performance profile.Contact: Envu IndiaWebsite: www.envu.com..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?