Indian Railways Gears Up for High-Speed Freight Locomotives
The Indian Railways is set to take a significant leap towards modernising its freight operations with the imminent launch of its first high-horsepower electric locomotive from the newly established Dahod plant in Gujarat. With the prototype of the 9000-horsepower engine nearly ready, the country’s fifth locomotive manufacturing plant is on track to revolutionise freight transport and enhance the capacity of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC).
Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister for Railways, confirmed that the first locomotive is expected to be launched in about 40 days, marking the beginning of the production of one of the most powerful electric engines in the country. “The locomotive is 89 per cent ‘Made in India’ and represents a significant milestone in our push towards self-reliance,” Vaishnaw stated. “This locomotive not only addresses long-standing issues like lack of toilet facilities in older models but is also equipped with advanced systems, such as an air-conditioned cabin for the loco pilots and the safety-enhancing Kavach system.”
The Dahod facility has been in the works for almost three years and is poised to deliver a fleet of these high-performance locomotives over the coming decade. The plant’s projected target is the production of 1,200 locomotives over the next 11 years, aimed at enhancing the speed and efficiency of freight services. The trains will be primarily deployed along the WDFC, where their ability to run at speeds of 50-60 kmph will significantly outperform the current average speed of 20-25 kmph.A major milestone in the vision of a cleaner and more efficient transport network, the locomotives from Dahod will also play a crucial role in advancing India’s sustainability goals. The new engines will feature regenerative braking technology that reduces energy consumption, aligning with the government’s push towards eco-friendly initiatives.
In line with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, the Dahod plant will not only cater to the domestic market but also has ambitious export plans. Within three years, the engines produced here are expected to be exported to international markets. This move is set to bolster India’s position as a global player in the railway manufacturing sector, further boosting local job creation and manufacturing capabilities.The decision to establish the Dahod plant aligns with a broader strategic shift within the Indian Railways towards modernising its freight operations. A notable contract for the production of these locomotives was awarded to German engineering giant Siemens in December 2022, valued at approximately Rs 26,000 crore. Siemens will be responsible for manufacturing the 1,200 locomotives and maintaining them across four maintenance depots in India. These locomotives will be capable of hauling 4,500 tonnes in double-stack configurations at speeds up to 75 kmph.The project is expected to generate more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, as well as create opportunities for collaborations with local engineering colleges for workforce training. With the Indian Railways investing heavily in both infrastructure and technology, the Dahod plant stands as a symbol of the government’s commitment to transforming India’s railways into a modern, sustainable, and efficient network.
The broader implications of this development extend beyond just freight operations. With the growing emphasis on green technologies and sustainable solutions, the high-speed locomotives from Dahod could become the cornerstone of India’s efforts to achieve a carbon-neutral transportation system. As the plant nears its completion and the first locomotive heads towards launch, the Indian Railways is set to mark another milestone in its journey towards a more modern, sustainable, and self-reliant future.
