India To Export 150 Bihar-Made Locomotives To Guinea In Landmark Rs 3,000 Crore Deal

In a major boost to India’s manufacturing and export capabilities, 150 state-of-the-art locomotives built under the Make in India initiative at the Marhowrah Diesel Locomotive Factory in Bihar will be exported to Guinea. The locomotives will support SimFer’s Simandou iron ore project, Africa’s largest mining venture, marking one of the biggest commercial railway export deals for Indian Railways.  

Key highlights of the export agreement  

- The total contract is valued at approximately Rs 3,533 crore (USD 411 million), with each locomotive priced at around Rs 23.55 crore  
- The export will be executed over three years: 37 locomotives in FY26, 82 in FY27, and 31 in FY28  
- This is the first time Indian Railways is exporting locomotives under a purely commercial contract, not as development aid  
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to flag off the first consignment from the Marhowrah factory  

Technical specifications and manufacturing excellence  

- The Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives are 4,500 HP diesel-electric engines with AC propulsion and regenerative braking  
- Each unit features a single AC cab, ergonomic crew amenities including a refrigerator, microwave, and waterless toilet, and is equipped with fire detection systems  
- Two locomotives can haul up to 100 wagons carrying 8,000 tonnes of iron ore at maximum permissible speed  
- The locomotives are fitted with Distributed Power Wireless Control System (DPWCS) for synchronized multi-loco operations  
- The Marhowrah facility includes broad gauge, standard gauge, and Cape gauge tracks to support global export requirements  

Strategic and economic impact  

- The deal was secured through global competitive bidding, showcasing India’s competitiveness in high-tech manufacturing  
- The export strengthens India-Africa economic ties and supports Guinea’s infrastructure development  
- The Marhowrah factory, a joint venture between Indian Railways and US-based Wabtec, has become a global hub for locomotive exports  
- The project has generated over 1,500 direct and indirect jobs in Bihar, with more than 2,100 people engaged nationwide in related services  

Future outlook  

This milestone export not only enhances India’s global industrial footprint but also signals a shift toward high-value, commercially driven railway exports. It reinforces the country’s position as a reliable supplier of advanced rail technology and supports the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.  

Sources: Economic Times, Indian Express, The Bridge Chronicle, Daily Excelsior, MSN, The Hindu Business Line.