In a major boost to India’s Make in India initiative and its growing influence in global railway manufacturing, the country is set to export 150 Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives to the Republic of Guinea. These locomotives, built at the Marhowrah Diesel Locomotive Factory in Bihar, will support Guinea’s Simandou iron ore project, one of the world’s largest and most ambitious mining undertakings.

This landmark agreement, valued at over ₹3,000 crore (US$ 345.9 million), underscores India’s capacity to deliver world-class industrial solutions on the global stage, while also strengthening economic ties with Africa.

A Strategic Export Milestone

The deal marks a significant expansion of India’s railway export footprint, particularly into Africa, and highlights India’s capability to compete and win in global competitive bidding. The order was secured through international tendering processes, affirming India’s status as a reliable industrial partner.

• Total locomotives: 150

• Destination: Guinea (for Simandou iron ore transport)

• Timeline:

  • Year 1: 37 locomotives

  • Year 2: 82 locomotives

  • Year 3: 31 locomotives

Technical Excellence of the ES43ACmi Locomotives

The locomotives being exported are part of the Evolution Series ES43ACmi, a product of a joint venture with Wabtec, one of the world’s leading railway technology companies. These are high-performance freight locomotives that meet modern operational standards, offering both power and energy efficiency.

Key Features Include:

• Alternating Current (AC) propulsion systems for improved power delivery.

• Regenerative braking to conserve energy and reduce emissions.

• 4,500 Horsepower (HP) engines suitable for heavy freight haulage.

• Modular architecture and microprocessor-based controls for reliability and diagnostics.

• Distributed Power Wireless Control System (DPWCS) for synchronised multi-locomotive control.

• Single AC cab with ergonomic design and advanced crew amenities for enhanced operational comfort.

• Superior emissions compliance, aligning with global sustainability standards.

• Safety systems like onboard fire detection, enhancing locomotive resilience.

These specifications ensure the locomotives can efficiently haul 100-wagon iron ore loads at maximum permissible speeds across Guinea’s diverse terrains.

The Marhowrah Diesel Locomotive Factory: India's Engineering Jewel

The Marhowrah facility, located in Bihar, is a symbol of India's industrial transformation. Built under the Make in India vision, it is equipped with:

• Broad, standard, and Cape gauge tracks to cater to multiple global standards.

• Advanced manufacturing and testing capabilities.

• A technologically skilled workforce, supported by global engineering inputs from Wabtec.

The facility plays a pivotal role in India’s ambition to become a global railway production hub, specifically for emerging markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Economic and Employment Impact

This export project is not just about locomotives—it’s about creating economic momentum and jobs.

• Direct employment at Marhowrah: 285 individuals.

• Indirect employment (supply chain, logistics, services): over 1,200 beneficiaries.

• Total employment under the joint venture across India: 2,100+ people.

Additionally, the deal enhances local capacity in Bihar and contributes to regional development, setting an example of how global trade can empower local economies.

India-Africa Cooperation: A Strategic Imperative

India has been steadily increasing its economic footprint in Africa, particularly through infrastructure, technology, and energy collaborations. This export initiative:

• Strengthens India–Guinea bilateral ties.

• Contributes to the infrastructure development of Guinea, especially in its critical mining logistics.

• Aligns with India’s Africa policy, which focuses on partnership, mutual growth, and South-South cooperation.

The Simandou iron ore project, in particular, is expected to be a key driver of Guinea’s economic transformation, and India’s contribution through railway assets is crucial to its success.

Strategic Implications for Indian Rail Manufacturing

This deal signals a new phase for India’s railway equipment export strategy:

• Reinforces India's manufacturing competitiveness in high-value segments like freight locomotives.

• Boosts India’s credibility in project execution and post-delivery service.

• Encourages more public-private partnerships (PPP), similar to the Wabtec–Indian Railways model.

• Encourages local component manufacturing, enhancing domestic supply chain strength.

Supporting “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”

The export of these locomotives is a live demonstration of Make in India success. It also aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India, by showcasing:

• Indian ability to design, manufacture, and deliver globally benchmarked technology.

• Enhanced engineering, research, and innovation capabilities in the heavy manufacturing sector.

• Strengthened global trust in Indian-origin products.

Conclusion

The ₹3,000 crore locomotive export deal to Guinea represents far more than a commercial transaction. It is a strategic triumph that places India firmly on the map of global railway manufacturing, strengthens ties with Africa, and catalyzes local employment in Bihar.

With advanced technology, world-class manufacturing, and strategic diplomacy at play, this initiative is a powerful symbol of India’s global rise in the industrial and infrastructure sectors. It also exemplifies how focused policy, international partnerships, and indigenous capabilities can converge to deliver impact—both at home and abroad.

As India continues to engineer excellence and export innovation, deals like this are poised to become the new norm, powering a future where Indian locomotives drive not just local progress but global transformation.

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