Siemens Mobility has delivered the first batch of electric freight locomotives to Indian Railways under its €3 billion agreement, marking the commencement of commercial operations for the landmark 1,200-unit D9 locomotive project. The company also jointly inaugurated the first dedicated maintenance depot in Visakhapatnam, establishing a key support hub for long-term fleet operations.
The order, placed in January 2023, represents the largest locomotive contract in Siemens Mobility’s global history as well as the biggest single order ever secured by Siemens in India. The rollout of the first locomotives and the commissioning of the depot mark a significant step forward in the long-term collaboration between Siemens Mobility and Indian Railways.
Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, said the delivery of the first D9 locomotives and the launch of the maintenance facility reflect a major milestone in the partnership. He noted that the initiative supports India’s broader objective of shifting freight movement from road to rail, improving logistics efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions over the long term. He added that the locomotives are being manufactured and serviced in India, reinforcing the country’s role in global rail innovation.
The D9 locomotives, developed for freight operations across India’s rail network, are the most powerful six-axle electric freight locomotives in the country, delivering 9,000 horsepower. Designed to operate at speeds of up to 120 km/h, they are capable of hauling freight loads of up to 5,800 tonnes under standard operating conditions. The locomotives have also been tested in accordance with European standard EN 14363, making them the first rolling stock in Indian Railways’ freight segment to meet this benchmark.
Equipped with advanced digital systems, including Siemens Mobility’s Railigent X platform, the locomotives enable predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, and performance optimization through data analytics. These features are intended to enhance operational reliability, improve safety, and increase fleet availability across the lifecycle.
The project is being executed under a full lifecycle partnership model that includes design, manufacturing, commissioning, and 35 years of maintenance services. Siemens Mobility will manage maintenance operations through four depots located in Visakhapatnam, Raipur, Kharagpur, and Pune, ensuring continuous technical support and fleet readiness.
The newly inaugurated Visakhapatnam depot will serve as the primary maintenance and service center for the initial phase of operations. Siemens Mobility will also oversee spare parts management, maintenance planning, documentation, and performance reporting for the fleet, supported by its digital service infrastructure.
India operates one of the world’s largest railway networks, serving approximately 24 million passengers daily across more than 22,000 trains. The Government of India aims to significantly increase the share of rail freight transport from around 27 percent to 40–45 percent, positioning rail as a key driver of logistics efficiency and emissions reduction. With one of the most extensively electrified rail systems globally, India continues to prioritize modernization of its rail infrastructure.
Siemens Mobility has maintained a longstanding presence in India, providing advanced technologies for both passenger and freight transportation, including rail automation, electrification systems, rolling stock, and digital solutions. The company’s offerings are designed to improve operational efficiency, enhance passenger experience, and support sustainable mobility objectives.
A separately managed company of Siemens AG, Siemens Mobility focuses on intelligent transport solutions across rail systems worldwide. With more than 175 years of industry experience, the company integrates digital technologies, including industrial AI, to improve infrastructure performance and lifecycle value. In fiscal year 2025, Siemens Mobility reported revenue of €12.4 billion and employed approximately 43,400 people globally.
