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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
From India to Guinea: Indian railways to export 150 Bihar-made locomotives to Africa; 10 things to know about the Rs 3,000 crore deal
India is set to make a powerful statement in global railway manufacturing as it is set to began exporting more than 100 high-tech locomotives to West Africa. Built under the 'Make in India' initiative in Bihar, these locomotives come equipped with world class facilities to ensure pilot comfort. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first export-bound unit this Friday, marking a major milestone for Indian manufacturing. Here are the top 10 things you should know about the locomotives: 1. Global collaboration The locomotives are being manufactured in collaboration between the US based Webtecin collaboration and Indian Railways at its Marhowra Rail Factory near Patna, Bihar. The Marhowra Rail Factory was set up in 2015 under a MoU to build 1,000 powerful freight locomotives in 10 years. Wabtec delivered the first one in 2018, and has since supplied over 700 from this factory. 2. Massive deal The Marhowrah Diesel Locomotive Factory in Bihar will export 150 Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives, to support Guinea's Simandou iron ore project. The order for 150 locomotives is worth over Rs 3,000 crore, secured through global competitive bidding. 3. Phased delivery plan The locomotive delivery plan spans across three years. Of the 150 locomotives, 37 will be delivered in this financial year, 82 in the next, and the remaining 31 in the third year. 4. Advanced technology Each 4500 HP locomotive features AC propulsion, regenerative braking, microprocessor-based controls, and a modular architecture for ease of maintenance and upgrades. 5. World-class facilities Each locomotive meets top-tier emission standards and has an AC cab. They are equipped with fire detection systems and eco-friendly technology. The cabins are modern and ergonomic, with added amenities like a refrigerator, microwave, and waterless toilet system. "The Republic of Guinea asked us to provide all these amenities for the convenience of their train crew," a Webtec official told PTI. 6. Heavy loads and handling Each locomotive comes with a single cab, two units coupled together can pull up to 100 wagons at top permitted speeds. They are fitted with DPWCS (Distributed Power Wireless Control System) to ensure smooth, synchronised operations and better freight handling. 7. Types of tracks at the factory The Marhowrah plant houses three track types: broad gauge, standard gauge, and Cape gauge. These tracks in the premises have been laid to support the manufacture and testing of locomotives for diverse international specifications. 8. Advanced technology Each 4500 HP locomotive features AC propulsion, regenerative braking, microprocessor-based controls, and a modular architecture for ease of maintenance and upgrades. 9. Customisation During a recent press briefing, Wabtec revealed that it conducted an in-depth study of Guinea's terrain, climate, and operational requirements before customising the locomotives. Engineers made multiple visits to the West African nation to ensure the design met local needs, including adaptations for standard gauge tracks and extreme weather conditions. Given the region's harsh climate, the locomotives were customised to help combat the challenging environments. 10. Job creation The Bihar-based factory employs 285 people directly and supports 1,215 more through indirect roles. Across India, over 2,100 individuals are engaged through the joint venture's wider services. The export deal comes as the West African nation begins work on its biggest iron ore mining project, creating a demand for stronger freight support. This move boosts the Marhowrah factory's role as a rising global hub for locomotive exports, creating local jobs and highlighting India's growing manufacturing strength, a sign of Atmanirbhar Bharat driving global infrastructure with innovation and quality. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
150 make in India locomotives, manufactured Bihar's Marhowrah factory to be exported to Guinea
Patna (Bihar) [India], June 19 (ANI): Under the 'Make in India' initiative, the Marhowrah Diesel Locomotive Factory in Bihar is set to export 150 Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives--built in collaboration with Wabtec--to power Guinea's Simandou iron ore project. This landmark deal, valued at over Rs 3,000 crore, marks a significant boost to India's international railway manufacturing footprint. As per officials, 37 locomotives will be exported in this Financial Year, whereas 82 locomotives will be exported in the next Financial Year, and 31 locomotives will be exported in the third Year. All these Locomotives will have an AC Cab. Each Loco will have a single cab, and two locomotives together will carry the load of 100 wagons with maximum permissible speed. At the Marhowrah Locomotive Factory, three types of tracks--broad gauge, standard gauge and Cape gauge have been laid within the premises to support the manufacturing and testing of locomotives for diverse international markets The Project was secured via global competitive bidding, showcasing India's manufacturing excellence on a world stage. These Locomotives are equipped with 4500 HP, AC propulsion, regenerative braking, microprocessor-based controls, and modular architecture. The Locomotives are built with best-in-class emission standards, fire detection systems, and ergonomic crew cabins with modern amenities like a refrigerator, microwave, and waterless toilet system. Fitted with DPWCS (Distributed Power Wireless Control System) for synchronised operations and superior freight handling. This Positions Marhowrah factory as a global hub for locomotive exports, strengthening local employment and technological capability. The delivery will further contribute to building infrastructure for Guinea's largest iron ore project, deepening India-Africa economic cooperation. A shining example of Atmanirbhar Bharat powering global infrastructure through innovation and quality manufacturing At the Marhowrah factory in Bihar, 285 individuals are employed directly, while an additional 1,215 people benefit from indirect employment linked to its operations. Besides, more than 2100 people are working for the joint venture across the country for services and other work. (ANI)
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Marhowrah plant set to ship first heavy-haul locomotive to Guinea
Patna: Bihar's Marhowrah-based diesel locomotive factory (DLF) is poised to export its first heavy-haul locomotive to the Republic of Guinea in West Africa. The first shipment is scheduled to be dispatched via Gujarat's Mundra Port in the first week of June, a senior official said. The DLF recently secured its maiden export order worth approximately Rs 2,000 crore to manufacture 140 Evolution Series diesel locomotives for the Republic of Guinea. On Monday, it unveiled its first export-ready diesel locomotive during a special event at its Marhowrah facility. The DLF, a joint venture between American firm Wabtec Corporation and Indian Railways , was established to produce 1,000 high-power freight locomotives over a decade, specifically designed to run on Indian railway tracks. It began manufacturing locomotives for Indian Railways in Sept 2018. The Wabtec Corporation, in collaboration with Rio Tinto SimFer, a joint venture involving the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH), celebrated the unveiling of the first Evolution Series ES43ACi locomotive for the TransGuinéen Railway at the Marhowrah facility on Monday. "It is part of SimFer's 2024 locomotive order to support the rail operations for the Simandou high-grade iron ore project, which is Africa's largest mining and infrastructure development project," a Wabtec official said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How three Filipino cardinals eligible to be the next pope remember Pope Francis CNA Read More Undo The event was attended by delegations from the govts of Guinea, India and the United States, as well as executives from Rio Tinto SimFer, Indian Railways, and Wabtec. The showcased locomotive featured the striking blue and turquoise livery of La Compagnie de TransGuinéen. "It is an honour to celebrate this milestone with our partners as we supply the advanced locomotives needed to meet the demands of the world's largest untapped high-grade iron mine," said Mpilo Dlamini, Wabtec's regional vice president for Sub-Saharan Africa. "This unveiling is a tribute to a global team that designed and built a locomotive specifically tailored for the Simandou project," he added. The occasion also commemorated the first and largest export order for heavy-haul locomotives produced at the Marhowrah plant, which has already delivered more than 700 out of the planned 1,000 locomotives to Indian Railways.
United News of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Wabtec, SimFer unveil first Simandou locomotive
Marhowra (Bihar), May 27 (UNI) Wabtec Corporation and Rio Tinto SimFer on Tuesday unveiled the first Evolution Series ES43ACi locomotive built for the landmark Simandou high-grade iron ore project in Guinea, marking a significant milestone in one of Africa's largest mining and infrastructure ventures. The unveiling ceremony, held at Wabtec's manufacturing facility in Marhowra, witnessed participation from delegations representing the governments of India, Guinea and the United States, as well as senior executives from Rio Tinto SimFer, Indian Railways and Wabtec. The locomotive, part of a 2024 order under SimFer's rolling stock procurement plan, will serve the TransGuinéen Railway, a 600-km multi-use corridor that will link the mineral-rich Simandou range in southeast Guinea to a port in the Forécariah prefecture. Donning the distinctive blue and turquoise livery of La Compagnie de TransGuinéen, the operator of the Simandou Railway, the locomotive represents the first and largest heavy-haul export order from Wabtec's Marhowra facility. 'This locomotive symbolizes a major step in our strategy to connect the Simandou project to the world, while bringing opportunities to the people of Guinea,' said Charles Zimmermann, Global Head of Projects for Rio Tinto. 'It is critical for transporting the high-grade iron ore to global markets and reflects Wabtec's important role in this transformative project.' Wabtec's ES43ACi locomotive features a 4,500-horsepower Evolution Series diesel engine developed in the United States. Engineered for efficiency and performance in high-temperature environments, the locomotive is tailored to the operational demands of heavy-haul mining in Guinea. Speaking on the occasion, Mpilo Dlamini, Regional Vice President, Sub-Saharan Africa, Wabtec, said: 'This unveiling is a tribute to a global team that designed and built a locomotive specifically for the Simandou project. These locomotives will not only enable the efficient export of critical minerals but also catalyse socio-economic development along the infrastructure corridor.' A joint venture between the Government of Guinea, Rio Tinto and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH), SimFer aims to tap into an estimated 1.5 billion tonnes of world-class iron ore reserves in the Simandou range. The integrated mine-rail-port development is expected to significantly boost Guinea's GDP and regional connectivity. The ceremony also underlined India's growing role in global infrastructure supply chains, with Marhowra emerging as a key manufacturing hub for high-performance rail technology. UNI BDN GNK 1534
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mining firm Vale to purchase 50 new locomotives from Wabtec
Mining company Vale has finalised a purchase agreement with Wabtec to acquire 50 new Evolution Series Locomotives. The locomotives will serve on the Vitoria a Minas Railroad (EFVM) and Carajas Railroad (EFC), with deliveries commencing in 2026. The order comprises 36 Wabtec EVOBBW locomotives for EFVM and 14 Wabtec ES58ACi locomotives for EFC. The Carajas Railroad already utilises these locomotives, which will now be introduced to the Vitoria a Minas Railroad fleet as well. These locomotives are capable of operating on a higher blend of biodiesel, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Vale and Wabtec have also expressed intentions to test the feasibility of further increasing the biodiesel blend in the future. Vale operations vice president Carlos Medeiros said: 'Vale has chosen locomotives that have consolidated performance in the market and are aligned with the company's focus on sustainability, efficiency and safety.' Wabtec's Evolution Series locomotives are equipped with an advanced diesel engine technology, which is said to provide operational efficiency gains, including fuel savings, extended maintenance intervals, and reduced operating costs. The AC traction motors also enhance hauling capacity by more than 50%, according to the company. The wider cabs of these locomotives provide enhanced ergonomics and comfort, along with a conveniently accessible location for onboard systems, thereby facilitating improved maintenance. Wabtec LATAM president and regional leader Danilo Miyasato said: 'Wabtec is at the forefront of innovation and committed to decarbonisation and greater efficiency in the rail sector. 'We are investing in innovative and sustainable technologies and in the development of engines that use alternative fuels, for a future of zero-emission rail transport.' Recently, Wabtec finalised a $960m cash agreement to acquire Sweden's Dellner Couplers. This acquisition aims to bolster Wabtec's technology capabilities, support its growth strategy, and strengthen its portfolio of critical passenger rail systems. "Mining firm Vale to purchase 50 new locomotives from Wabtec" was originally created and published by Railway Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
