Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s most powerful and modern electric locomotive, boasting a formidable 9,000 horsepower (HP). This cutting-edge engine can haul freight trains weighing between 4,500 and 5,000 tonnes at speeds up to 100 km/h, marking a transformative milestone in the nation’s rail freight operations.
Railway officials emphasized that this breakthrough will revolutionize freight transport across India and hold strong export potential. While broad-gauge electric locomotives are tailored for Indian Railways, standard-gauge models are being manufactured specifically for international markets.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the locomotive, produced at the Dahod Locomotive Workshop, is designed for global deployment. The loco features an advanced regenerative braking system, significantly reducing energy consumption and supporting environmental sustainability.
“This launch aligns with Indian Railways’ goal to expand rail cargo’s share and speed up freight movement. It will substantially cut logistics costs and ease congestion on overloaded tracks,” noted a senior official.
Under the ambitious plan, Dahod workshop is set to manufacture 1,200 such locomotives over the next 11 years. The foundation stone for this Rs 21,405 crore project was laid by PM Modi in April 2022, and the first locomotive has been completed in a record 37 months.
Officials confirmed that the locomotive was built using green energy, earning it a “green” manufacturing certification. It is equipped with a digital tracking system, the Kavach safety system, and a three-phase propulsion setup that integrates sustainability with advanced technology.
During the unveiling, PM Modi proudly mentioned India’s growing footprint in global rail exports, with metro coaches now shipped to Australia and train coaches supplied to England, Saudi Arabia, and France. Countries like Mexico, Spain, Germany, and Italy also source railway components from India, underscoring the nation’s expanding role in the global rail industry.