For the first time, India will export locomotives to an international customer. Wabtec Locomotive, a joint venture between Indian Railways and Wabtec, will produce the locomotives at its Marhowra plant in Bihar, with the first batch set to be delivered to an African client by 2025.
The official statement highlighted that the Marhowra plant will manufacture Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives, which are powered by a 4,500 HP engine known for its fuel efficiency and performance in high-temperature conditions.
According to the railways ministry, this project holds strategic importance, positioning India as a global leader in locomotive manufacturing and supporting the “Make in India” and “Make for the World” initiatives under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision. This development will enable the Marhowra facility to export standard-gauge locomotives, expand the local supplier base, and generate long-term employment, contributing to the Indian economy.
Since its inception in 2018, the Marhowra plant has produced 100 locomotives annually for Indian Railways, adding 650 units to the fleet so far, relying on Indian suppliers. Moving forward, the railways ministry and Wabtec plan to further develop the plant’s capacity to meet global demand for locomotives.
Earlier this year, Wabtec Corporation, based in the United States, launched a new manufacturing facility in Rohtak with an investment of Rs 150 crore. This site will initially produce transit rail components and subsystems, with plans to expand to other Wabtec product lines in the future.
Wabtec Corporation is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, and services for the rail and transit industries. Formed through the merger of Wabtec and GE Transportation in 2019, the company is known for its innovation in freight and passenger transportation solutions.
Wabtec designs and manufactures locomotives, freight cars, and braking systems while offering digital and automation technologies that improve efficiency and sustainability in rail operations. With a strong focus on reducing emissions and enhancing safety, Wabtec is at the forefront of advancing rail infrastructure globally, supporting the industry’s shift towards cleaner, more efficient transportation solutions.
