Alstom, the French manufacturer of rolling stock and railway systems, has secured a new maintenance contract for WAG-12B electric freight locomotives through its partnership with Indian Railways. The agreement, worth EUR 107 million, covers services for 250 locomotives at the Nagpur depot.
The contract was awarded to Madhepura Electric Locomotive Private Limited (MELPL), the joint venture formed by Alstom and Indian Railways, India’s state-owned railway operator. The agreement has a term of five years and covers the comprehensive maintenance of 250 WAG-12B electric locomotives at the MELPL depot in Nagpur.
The new agreement follows a previous four-year contract, which the company considers an operational success. Alstom states that the Nagpur depot has become a benchmark for its collaboration with Indian Railways in the Indian rail sector.
Contract for 12,000 CP Electric Locomotives
The First T8 WAG-12B locomotives have a power output of 12,000 CP and are used primarily for heavy freight transport. They can haul loads of up to 6,000 metric tons and travel at speeds of up to 120 km/h.
According to Alstom, these locomotives play a key role in the development of dedicated freight corridors in India—projects through which Indian authorities aim to increase rail capacity and reduce emissions from freight transport.
“The renewal of this contract is a strong confirmation of our commitment to Indian Railways and the success of our partnership. We are proud that the trust placed in us has translated into the proven performance and reliability of the WAG-12B electric locomotives, which are essential to the freight transport revolution in India,” said Olivier Loison, Managing Director of Alstom India.
Comprehensive Maintenance at the Nagpur Depot
Under the agreement, MELPL will provide comprehensive maintenance for the 250 locomotives, as well as maintenance of the depot’s infrastructure. The contract also includes the continued operation of Alstom’s mobile rapid-response teams, equipped with tools and spare parts, stationed at strategic locations across India.
These teams are designed to reduce the time required to resolve technical issues and maximize fleet availability. Alstom notes that the agreement also includes on-site training programs at the depot, in line with the company’s commitment to developing local skills.
India, a Strategic Market for Alstom
Alstom operates in India through six manufacturing facilities and five major engineering centers, through which it supplies rolling stock, components, signaling systems, and maintenance services.
The company states that its operations in India are aligned with the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, through which the authorities in New Delhi aim to strengthen local production and domestic supply chains.
Share on:
