India to export indigenous electric locomotives to Europe, Africa
India is set to export one of its most powerful electric locomotive engines — manufactured at the newly built Dahod facility in Gujarat — to European and African nations, a senior Indian Railways official confirmed on Sunday.
“We are in talks with several countries, particularly in Europe and Africa," the official told The Tribune when asked about the newly developed electric locomotive engine, which will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Dahod on May 26.
The PM will be in Gujarat on May 26 and 27, during which he will dedicate the Dahod Locomotive Manufacturing Plant to the nation and officially flag off the indigenous electric locomotive.
The Dahod plant will produce 9,000-horsepower (HP) electric locomotives for both domestic use and export. “These locomotives will significantly enhance the freight-carrying capacity of the Indian Railways. They will feature regenerative braking systems and are designed to reduce energy consumption, contributing to environmental sustainability," the official added.
Notably, PM Modi had laid the foundation stone for the Dahod plant in April 2022. In less than three years, the Railways has successfully constructed the loco manufacturing shop at the rolling stock workshop in Dahod and commenced production.
“Both broad-gauge and standard-gauge electric locomotives are being manufactured here to support the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’ initiatives,” the official said.
Senior officials also emphasised that the locomotives were being produced using green energy, reinforcing the government’s commitment to sustainability.
The project involves an investment of Rs 645 crore for the construction of the manufacturing workshop and an estimated Rs 20,760 crore for the production of 1,200 high-horsepower electric freight locomotives over the next 11 years — bringing the total project cost to Rs 21,405 crore.
Officials further highlighted that the Made-in-India locomotive is capable of hauling loads between 4,500 and 5,000 tonnes, even on steep gradients. Equipped with state-of-the-art IGBT propulsion technology, the locomotive offers enhanced energy efficiency and high performance — contributing to the modernisation and self-reliance of the Railways.
India