PM Modi to Flag Off First ‘Made in India’ Locomotive for Export to Guinea; Unveils ₹5,700 Crore Projects in Bihar

PM Modi to Flag Off First ‘Made in India’ Locomotive: Furthering the vision of “Make in India – Make for the World,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off a state-of-the-art locomotive built at the Marhowra Plant in Bihar’s Saran for export to the Republic of Guinea on Friday, a release said.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) release, this is the first export locomotive manufactured in this factory. The release said the locomotives are equipped with high-horsepower engines, an advanced AC propulsion system, microprocessor-based control systems, ergonomic cab designs, and incorporate technologies like regenerative braking.

The locomotives, manufactured at the Marhowra Diesel Locomotive Plant in Bihar's Saran district, mark a milestone in India's "Make in India—Make for the World" vision.

Speaking to ANI, Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity (EDIP) at the Railway Board, said the plant earlier produced locomotives exclusively for Indian Railways, but with increased capacity, India is now entering the global locomotive export market.

"We have received a big order from the Republic of Guinea, which requires standard-gauge locomotives. 150 locomotives will be sent to the Republic of Guinea over the next three years for their iron ore mine," he said.

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Sandeep, Managing Director of Wabtec India, said the locomotives are integral to Guinea's Simandou Project - one of the world's largest iron ore mining ventures.

"The Simandou project is one of the largest iron ore mining projects in the world... Mining will be done in two critical mine divisions, and the iron ore will be shipped to a port 620 km away, which will be done via rail, and the iron ore will then be exported to various countries. These locomotives are an important rolling stock that will drive trains 24/7, and we hope that it is a successful project... The locomotives manufactured at this facility have a strength of 4500 horsepower. Two locomotives will be attached to every train to pull a trailing load of 8100 tonnes... We are exporting standard gauge locomotives, while Indian railways uses broad gauge locomotives... The project was allotted in 2015, with Wabtec having an equity of 75% and the Indian railway having an equity of 25%...In 7 years of our operation, we have supplied 726 locomotives... 150 locomotives will be sent to Guinea over the next three years... More than 1500 people have been empowered via this project, and 99% of the manpower is from Bihar." he said

In alignment with his commitment to Ganga rejuvenation, the Prime Minister will inaugurate six new Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) under the Namami Gange program, collectively worth Rs 1,800 crore. These projects aim to significantly reduce pollution and improve sanitation in towns across Bihar.

PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone for STPs, sanitation, and water supply projects worth over Rs 3,000 crore in several towns of the state, ensuring safe and clean drinking water for thousands of households.

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Taking a leap in renewable energy efficiency, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). These standalone storage units will be installed at 15 substations, including Siwan, Muzaffarpur, Bettiah, and Motihari, with capacities ranging from 20 MWh to 80 MWh.

First-ever India-exported locomotives: What are some of their key features?

• As per the PMO release, this is the first export locomotive from this factory.
• The locomotives are equipped with high horsepower engines, an AC propulsion system, microprocessor-based control systems, ergonomic cab design, and regenerative braking.
• EDIP Dilip Kumar said standard gauge locomotives are in high demand globally, especially in Western Europe, Africa and Australia.
• Sandeep, MD Wabtec India, said the locomotives are critical for Guinea’s Simandou Project, one of the largest iron ore mining projects in the world.
• The project was awarded in 2015. Wabtec has 75% equity and Indian Railways 25%.
• Since operations started, 726 locomotives have been delivered to Indian Railways, and now 150 will be exported to Guinea.
• Directly and indirectly, 2000-2500 people are employed at Marhowra Diesel Locomotive Plant for the operations.

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