Over 100 Advanced Locomotives on the Way to Boost Guinea's Iron Ore Project
India is set to export over 100 advanced locomotives to West Africa, enhancing global manufacturing capabilities and supporting Guinea's iron ore project. The locomotives are designed with state-of-the-art technology under the 'Make in India' initiative.
Marhowra and Simandou are far apart, yet the loco binds them
India is poised to make a significant impact in the global railway manufacturing sector as it prepares to export over 100 advanced locomotives to West Africa. These locomotives, constructed under the 'Make in India' initiative, a flagship program designed to promote India as a global manufacturing hub, are outfitted with state-of-the-art features designed to enhance the comfort of operators.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the export-bound unit this Friday, signifying a pivotal advancement in Indian manufacturing. In a demonstration of global collaboration, the locomotives are being produced through a partnership between the US-based Wabtec and Indian Railways at the Marhowra Rail Factory, located in the Saran district of Bihar. Established in 2015 under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), this factory is tasked with the construction of 1,000 robust freight locomotives over a decade.
Wabtec delivered the first locomotive in 2018 and has since provided over 700 units from this facility. This undertaking is a substantial endeavour. The Marhowrah Diesel Locomotive Factory will export 150 Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives to facilitate Guinea's Simandou iron ore project. The contract for these 150 locomotives, valued at over Rs 30,000 million, was secured through a competitive global bidding process. The delivery of the locomotives is scheduled to occur over three years, with 37 units delivered in the current financial year, 82 in the subsequent year, and the final 31 in the third year.
Designed for heavy loads and efficient handling, each locomotive is equipped with a single cab, and two coupled units can collectively pull up to 100 wagons at the maximum permitted speeds. The locomotives are fitted with a Distributed Power Wireless Control System (DPWCS) to ensure seamless, synchronised operations and enhanced freight management. The Marhowrah plant features three types of tracks: broad gauge, standard gauge, and Cape gauge. These tracks have been established to facilitate the manufacture and testing of locomotives tailored to meet diverse international specifications.
In terms of customisation, Wabtec recently announced that it conducted a comprehensive analysis of Guinea's terrain, climate, and operational requirements before adapting the locomotives. Engineers made multiple visits to the West African nation to ensure that the design addressed local needs, including modifications for standard-gauge tracks and accommodations for extreme weather conditions. Given the region's challenging climate, the locomotives were specifically tailored to withstand such environments.
The factory in Bihar directly employs 285 individuals and supports an additional 1,215 through indirect roles. Across India, more than 2,100 people are engaged through the joint venture's broader services. This export agreement coincides with Guinea's initiation of its most significant iron ore mining project, generating an increased demand for robust freight support. This initiative reinforces the Marhowrah factory's position as an emerging global hub for locomotive exports, fostering local employment and underscoring India's expanding manufacturing capabilities in alignment with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to lead global infrastructure through innovation and quality.
Indian locomotive exports
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