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
Infrastructure Transport

CPCL crosses $10 million revenue milestone

Chaitanya Projects Consultancy (CPCL), a leading infrastructure and engineering consultancy, has surpassed $10 million in annual revenue for FY 2024–25, marking a five-year compound annual growth rate of 28.2 per cent—well above the industry average. Established in 2004, CPCL has delivered over 300 projects across highways, bridges, urban infrastructure, water, transport, and environmental sectors. Its achievements include over 600 km of six-lane highways, 2,000 km of national highways, and 100 major bridges. “Our goal has always been to improve India’s infrastructure,” sai..

Next Story
Resources

KPIL secures new orders worth Rs 37.89 billion

Kalpataru Projects International Ltd (KPIL), a major EPC player in power transmission and civil infrastructure, has secured new orders worth approximately Rs 37.89 billion along with its international subsidiaries. The orders include a significant contract in the Buildings and Factories (B&F) segment in India, marking KPIL’s largest B&F order to date. The project involves the development of over 12 million sq ft of residential space with supporting infrastructure, awarded on a design-build basis. Additionally, the company has won new transmission and distribution (T&D) order..

Next Story
Real Estate

Apartment loading rises to 40 per cent in top cities

Driven by rising demand for premium amenities, the average apartment loading across India’s top seven cities has reached 40 per cent in Q1 2025, up from 31 per cent in 2019, according to ANAROCK Research. The loading factor, or the area paid for beyond the usable carpet area, covers common spaces such as lobbies, staircases, and clubhouses. Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) continues to lead with the highest loading at 43 per cent. Bengaluru saw the sharpest jump, from 30 per cent in 2019 to 41 per cent in Q1 2025. Chennai recorded the lowest average loading at 36 per cent. “Sixty..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?