India’s engineering capabilities have once again proven their global merit as locomotives manufactured in Varanasi are now powering railway operations in Mozambique. Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), a key production arm of Indian Railways, has delivered two cutting-edge diesel-electric locomotives to Mozambique Railways (CFM) under a high-value export order. The move bolsters India’s growing influence in international railway infrastructure and strengthens its commitment to the ‘Make in India – Make for the World’ vision.
This latest export, facilitated through RITES Ltd, is part of a larger contract awarded to BLW for the manufacture and supply of 10 Cape Gauge (1067 mm) diesel-electric locomotives, each with a power output of 3300 horsepower. While two units were successfully dispatched in June, the remaining eight are on track to be delivered by December 2025.The contract follows the successful deployment of six earlier BLW-built 3000 HP locomotives to Mozambique in 2021–23. Their consistent performance and reliability in African terrain led CFM to place its trust once again in Indian manufacturing expertise.
The newly developed 3300 HP AC-AC locomotives are technologically advanced and operationally efficient. They have been engineered for speeds of up to 100 kmph and feature a robust 12-cylinder engine configuration. In a significant push towards human-centric design, these locomotives also include modern amenities for train operators—such as a built-in refrigerator, hot plate, ergonomic cab interiors, mobile holders, and sanitation facilities—ensuring better working conditions aligned with international standards.This delivery not only signals the rising global demand for Indian-built locomotives but also reflects India’s ability to design, build and deliver complex rail solutions tailored to the requirements of foreign rail networks. Mozambique’s choice to work again with BLW indicates trust in the Indian railway sector’s technical capability and project execution track record.
Since its inception in 1956, Banaras Locomotive Works has produced over 10,000 locomotives, serving both domestic sectors and global partners across Asia and Africa. Its export footprint includes countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Myanmar, Angola, Sudan, and Tanzania—the latter receiving BLW’s first export locomotive in 1976.With global railways increasingly investing in modernising their fleets, India is uniquely positioned to offer affordable, reliable, and sustainable railway solutions. The Varanasi-built locomotives are more than just mechanical assets; they are also instruments of diplomacy and economic cooperation.
The export of these locomotives symbolises India’s evolution from an importer of rail technology to a credible global supplier. As African nations like Mozambique expand their rail networks to support trade, mobility, and economic integration, India’s role as a strategic infrastructure partner is set to grow.
This achievement further elevates India’s standing in the global railway ecosystem—driven by its public-sector manufacturing strength, engineering excellence, and long-term commitment to international collaboration.
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