Patna, May 27 (PTI) - Wabtec and Indian Railways have unveiled their inaugural freight locomotive, produced in Bihar, set to be exported to West Africa by next month.
Last September, the Railways had revealed plans for its Marhowra manufacturing unit in Bihar to commence locomotive exports to Africa.
A railway official expressed, "We have fulfilled our promises, showcasing the global competitiveness of Indian manufacturing and engineering."
In addition to revealing the locomotive's design, the company also hosted a naming ceremony at the Marhowra plant, attended by senior officials from Wabtec and Indian Railways, alongside representatives from the West African nation.
Formed in 2015 as a public-private partnership (PPP) between Indian Railways and Wabtec, the Marhowra facility has delivered more than 700 locomotives to Indian Railways over the past nine years.
The plant is part of a larger initiative that includes maintenance facilities in Roza (Uttar Pradesh), Gandhidham (Gujarat), and Gooty (Andhra Pradesh).
"In 2015, Indian Railways ordered 1,000 fuel-efficient Evolution Series locomotives of 4,500 HP and 6,000 HP, to be supplied over 11 years," stated Sujatha Narayan, Senior Vice President and India Region Leader from Wabtec, during the naming ceremony.
She noted, "This export order is evidence of the quality and reliability of our products."
Company representatives mentioned that the export order includes over 100 locomotives to be delivered in four years.
The first two units are currently undergoing safety checks and are expected to be shipped via Mundra Port in Gujarat by June 2025.
The locomotives have been tailored to meet the specific demands of the West African country, with adaptations for standard gauge tracks and local environmental conditions, according to the officials.
Wabtec engineers made several site visits to confirm that the locomotives align with operational needs.
Narayan commented, "The export agreement coincides with the West African nation's initiation of its largest iron ore mining project, necessitating enhanced freight capabilities."
The company has also increased its workforce to ensure continued deliveries to Indian Railways while meeting the export order.
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