Alstom, a global leader in sustainable transport solutions, has marked a significant achievement by delivering its 500th electric locomotive to Indian Railways. This accomplishment highlights the company’s dedication to advancing India’s rail infrastructure and supporting its ambitious freight transport goals.
“The delivery of our 500th electric locomotive showcases our ongoing efforts to modernize India’s railway system, particularly for freight, which plays a crucial role in driving economic growth,” said Olivier Loison, Managing Director of Alstom India.
The 500th fully India-manufactured Prima T8 WAG12B electric locomotive was launched at Alstom’s advanced manufacturing facility in Madhepura, Bihar, with the presence of important officials from Indian Railways, including Mr. Manish Kumar, Chief Administrative Officer, and senior leaders from Alstom, during a ceremony commemorating this milestone.
As part of its €3.5 billion contract, Alstom is delivering 800 high-performance, double-section Prima T8 locomotives, each with 12,000 HP (9 MW) for freight operations. These WAG-12B locomotives, capable of pulling approximately 6,000-tonne trains at speeds of up to 120 kph, are a significant contribution to the efficiency of India’s freight sector. To ensure maximum uptime and reduce maintenance costs, Alstom has built two state-of-the-art depots in Saharanpur and Nagpur, incorporating predictive technologies.
Olivier Loison further commented, “Our WAG 12B locomotives, equipped with advanced technology and fully manufactured in India, offer greater speed, reliability, and efficiency for freight operations. This 500th delivery demonstrates our continued commitment to modernizing India’s rail system, fostering growth in the freight sector.”
The WAG-12B locomotives are being produced at one of the largest greenfield manufacturing plants in India, located in Madhepura, Bihar, through a joint venture between Alstom and Indian Railways. This facility represents the largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Indian rail sector and has an annual production capacity of 120 locomotives. Nearly 90% of the components used in the manufacturing process are locally sourced.
This project is a strong example of the “Make in India” initiative, with over 85% of the components coming from domestic suppliers, enhancing the country’s manufacturing capabilities. It has positioned India as one of the few nations capable of producing high-horsepower locomotives on a large scale, while also nurturing technological expertise within the country. These locomotives have already covered over 120 million kilometers, transporting vital goods such as coal, cement, food grains, fertilizers, petrochemical products, minerals, and parcels across India.
Equipped with Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) propulsion technology, these locomotives are designed to save energy through regenerative braking. This technology enhances acceleration efficiency while reducing heat generation and traction noise. It is expected to lower operational costs and help alleviate congestion in India’s rail system.
Alstom has had a long-standing presence in India, contributing to the nation’s growth for over a century. As a key player in sustainable mobility, Alstom offers a broad range of solutions, from cost-effective mass-market platforms to cutting-edge technological innovations. Alstom remains a vital partner in India’s railway transformation, supporting both the freight and passenger sectors.
With six industrial sites and two major engineering centers, Alstom serves both domestic and international markets. Alstom has been instrumental in supporting India’s modernization efforts by introducing breakthrough technologies in rail transport, infrastructure, signaling, and services. Alstom is fully aligned with India’s goals of “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” and remains committed to strengthening the local supply chain ecosystem.
