Bihar's Marhowra Locomotive Plant Makes History: First Made-in-India Locomotive Set for Export to West Africa

Unknown Apr 02, 2026 800 Views

India has hit a big milestone in its efforts to emerge as a world manufacturing powerhouse. The Marhowra Diesel Locomotive Factory in the state of Bihar has rolled out its first export-bound freight locomotive to West Africa as its entry into the global market. This landmark event not only boasts...

Historic Export Order and Unveiling

Marhowra factory has bagged its maiden export order worth around ₹2,000 crore to build 140 cutting-edge Evolution Series ES43ACmi diesel locomotives for West African statesman Republic of Guinea.
The first locomotive, built under an Indian Railways-US-based Wabtec Corporation joint venture, was unveiled at a function in the presence of top officials from India and the Republic of Guinea.

Technical Excellence and Customization

The ES43ACmi locomotives come with 4,500 horsepower Evolution Series engines, which are designed to be fuel-efficient and operate in hot temperatures—perfect for the climate in West Africa.
The locomotives have been specially designed for standard gauge tracks and modified to address the operational and environmental needs of the receiving country.

Strategic and Economic Impact

This export is also in line with India's "Make in India" and "Make for the World" programs, as well as the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, towards making India a manufacturing and export hub of the world.
The project will generate employment, stimulate local economies, and help spur industrial growth in Bihar and elsewhere.
The Marhowra plant, commissioned in 2018, has already supplied more than 650 locomotives for the domestic market in India and is now gearing up to export its products to international markets.

Timeline and Future

Production for the export order will be initiated in 2025, with deliveries starting from June 2025 and all 140 locomotives delivered by March 2028.
The timely fulfillment of this contract will further cement bilateral relations between India and the Republic of Guinea and open the door to future global partnerships in the railway industry.

Significance

The export order is concurrent with the launch of a large-scale iron ore mining project in West Africa that will need increased freight capacity—evinces the strategic worth of Indian engineering solutions.

The Marhowra plant, a public-private enterprise, has been developed into a world-class manufacturing facility, taking advantage of a strong local vendor base and contributing to employment generation in the long term in the region.

Sources: Times of India, The Hindu Business Line, Patna Press, PIB, Devdiscourse, India Sea Trade News, Adda247

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