PM Modi Launches Locomotive Exports from Bihar to Guinea
Boosting Bihar’s Economy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the export of the first locomotive from the Marhowrah factory in Saran, Bihar, to Guinea in West Africa. This event shows the NDA government’s focus on speeding up economic activities in Bihar ahead of the elections.
Key Points of the Export Deal
- 150 ‘Make in India’ Evolution Series (ES43ACmi) locomotives are being made for SimFer’s Simandou iron ore project in Guinea.
- The project is worth over Rs 3,000 crore.
- It will be Africa’s largest mining project.
- 37 locomotives will be exported this year.
- 82 locomotives will be shipped in 2026-27.
- The remaining 31 locomotives will be exported in the third year.
Marhowrah Diesel Locomotive Factory
The Marhowrah diesel locomotive factory (DLF) was announced by then railway minister Lalu Prasad. However, it remained inactive for a long time. The factory, spread over 70 acres, was set up in 2018. It makes state-of-the-art locomotives and can produce over 100 locomotives each year.
Export Contract and Manufacturing Details
The contract to export the locomotives was given to Wabtec Locomotive Private Ltd. This is a joint venture between Indian Railways and US-based Wabtec Corporation. All these locomotives will have AC cabs. Each locomotive will have a single cab. Two locomotives together can carry the load of 100 wagons at maximum speed.
For making these locomotives, three types of tracks have been laid in the Marhowrah premises:
- Broad gauge
- Standard gauge
- Cape gauge
Opportunities for Export and Bihar’s Milestone
The Indian Railway network has achieved full electrification. This opens up huge opportunities for exporting diesel locos to countries where there is demand. This is a chance to increase exports of locos that match the best standards across the globe. For Bihar, this will be a big milestone.
