India to export 150 locomotives to Africa worth over ₹3,000 crore

“These locomotives are fitted with Distributed Power Wireless Control System, or DPWCS, for synchronised operations and superior freight handling,” a Railways Ministry spokesperson said. Photo: https://www.wabteccorp.com/

India will supply 150 locomotives worth more than ₹3,000 crore to the African country of Guinea, the Ministry of Railways stated on Monday (June 16, 2025).

The Make-in-India locomotives are meant for use at the Simandou iron ore project site in the country, a spokesperson of Indian Railways said. “The Railway Locomotive factory in Marhowrah, Bihar, will supply 150 Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives. Thirty-seven locomotives will be exported in the current financial year, while 82 locomotives will be exported in the next financial year. Another 31 locomotives will be exported in the third year,” the spokesperson said.

All these locomotives will have an air-conditioned cab (driver’s compartment). “Each loco will have a single cab, and two locomotives together will carry the load of 100 wagons with maximum permissible speed,” the spokesperson further said.

Three types of tracks, broad gauge, standard gauge and cape gauge, have been laid in Marhowrah Locomotive premises for manufacturing these locomotives. “The project was secured via global competitive bidding,” the spokesperson added.

The 4,500-HP locomotives are equipped with alternating current (AC) propulsion, regenerative braking, microprocessor-based controls, and modular architecture.

“These 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,” the spokesperson said.

They are also fitted with Distributed Power Wireless Control System, or DPWCS, for synchronised operations and superior freight handling.

The Marhowrah Factory of Bihar directly employs 285 people, and a further 1215 people are getting indirect employment, the spokesperson added.