Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has officially flagged off the first export-bound locomotives from Wabtec Locomotive Private Limited’s facility in Marhowra, Bihar. The milestone represents a key achievement under India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and strengthens the nation’s position in global railway manufacturing.
The locomotives, manufactured at the Marhowra plant—a joint venture between Indian Railways and Wabtec—are bound for Guinea. The shipment forms part of a 2024 order from Rio Tinto SimFer, a joint venture between the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto, and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings.
The Evolution Series ES43ACi locomotives are equipped with 4,500HP diesel engines designed in the United States. Known for their fuel efficiency and ability to operate in high-temperature conditions, the locomotives will support freight operations along the TransGuinéen Railway. This railway forms part of the Simandou iron ore development, Africa’s largest mining and infrastructure project.
“These locomotives symbolize the success of our evolving public-private partnership, which started in 2015,” said Sujatha Narayan, Senior Vice President and Wabtec India Region Leader. “We have come together as global teams across government entities and private companies to realise this milestone in the journey of the Marhowra plant.”
Marhowra: Strengthening India’s export and manufacturing capacity
Since operations began in 2018, the Marhowra facility has become a key contributor to Indian locomotive manufacturing. Using lean global manufacturing processes, the plant has scaled up to a capacity of 170 locomotives per year, with 100 units annually supplied to Indian Railways.
Narayan praised the support from national and regional government partners: “We are very pleased to have the Hon’ble Prime Minister flagging off the first export locomotives. It gives us the confidence that the Government of India, the Government of Bihar, and the Indian Railways are committed to the long-term growth and sustainability of our locomotive project.”
Beyond manufacturing, Wabtec has also invested in community development initiatives in the region. Outreach programmes around the Marhowra site have focused on vocational training and educational support. More than 600 women entrepreneurs have been trained, and engineering students from local polytechnics have been equipped with advanced welding skills to enhance their employment prospects.
The Marhowra facility has also set a benchmark in workforce diversity, with a growing number of employees recruited from Bihar and Jharkhand.
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