Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to flag off the first Made-in-India locomotive manufactured for export to the Republic of Guinea on June 20, 2025, at the Marhowrah railway factory in Bihar, the Ministry of Railways confirmed on Wednesday (June 18). This historic event marks India’s entry into global locomotive exports at a significant scale, bolstering the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

According to Dilip Kumar, Executive Director (Information and Publicity), Railway Board, the locomotive is part of a ₹3,000 crore export contract awarded to the Marhowrah unit for delivering 150 high-horsepower locomotives to the SimFer Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, Africa.

Background of the project

The Simandou iron ore project in Guinea is among the largest untapped high-grade iron ore reserves in the world. The project, jointly led by SimFer, is expected to transform West Africa’s mining and logistics infrastructure, and India’s contribution to this mega venture underscores New Delhi’s growing influence in the African continent.

India secured this order through global competitive bidding, reflecting the technical, financial and operational strengths of Indian locomotive manufacturing.

Details of the export plan

As per the agreement:

• 37 locomotives will be delivered in the current financial year (2025–26)

• 82 locomotives in the next year (2026–27)

• 31 locomotives in the third year (2027–28)

Each locomotive will be built at the Marhowrah manufacturing unit using state-of-the-art technology and advanced global design specifications to ensure seamless integration with Guinea’s rail infrastructure.

High-end features of the locomotives

The locomotives will include:

• Air-conditioned, ergonomically designed crew cabins

• Refrigerators, microwave ovens and waterless toilets for crew comfort

• Fire detection and suppression systems for safety

• Emission standards compliant with latest global norms

• DPWCS (Distributed Power Wireless Control System) for synchronised operations

• Capability to haul 100 wagons in tandem

These specifications have been tailored to meet heavy-duty freight operations required for transporting iron ore over long distances in harsh African terrains.

Technological innovations at Marhowrah

The Marhowrah factory, which was developed under the Make in India programme, has become a global hub for locomotive manufacturing with:

• Multiple gauge tracks: Broad gauge, standard gauge and cape gauge lines to support international requirements

• Advanced assembly lines using robotics and digital monitoring systems

• Quality assurance under ISO-certified processes

• Direct employment to hundreds of skilled workers and engineers, and indirect benefits to local vendors and logistics operators

The facility was built as part of the joint venture between Indian Railways and General Electric (GE), and has since transformed into a showcase of India’s manufacturing excellence in rail transportation.

Geopolitical and economic significance

The export of locomotives to Guinea is not just a trade transaction—it also signals India’s rising profile in South-South cooperation, particularly in sectors like:

• Infrastructure development

• Mining logistics

• Technology transfer

It strengthens the India-Africa partnership, which has seen growing momentum through platforms like the India-Africa Forum Summit and Bilateral Economic Commissions.

Moreover, this move contributes to:

• Diversification of India’s export basket

• Promotion of Indian rail technologies abroad

• Creation of new diplomatic and commercial channels with West African nations

Boost to Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India

The Railway Ministry described the project as a “shining example of Atmanirbhar Bharat powering global infrastructure through innovation and quality manufacturing.”

According to the ministry:

“This will position India among global leaders in heavy engineering and transport systems, sending a strong message about our domestic capabilities.”

It is also expected to open doors for similar contracts from other countries in Africa, South America and Southeast Asia, where demand for high-quality and affordable locomotives is steadily growing.

Statements from officials

Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of the Railway Board, said:

“These locomotives will be equipped with globally benchmarked safety and comfort features. It is a proud moment for Indian Railways and the Make in India initiative.”

He also noted that the Marhowrah factory, which was envisioned during PM Modi’s first term, is now playing a central role in India’s export ecosystem for heavy rail equipment.

PM Modi’s visit and flag-off ceremony

PM Modi will inaugurate the flag-off ceremony at the Marhowrah plant on June 20, where the first export-ready locomotive will roll out in a grand function attended by:

• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

• Bihar CM Nitish Kumar

• Local MPs and MLAs

• Representatives from GE and SimFer

• African diplomatic delegations

This ceremony will be broadcast live by Doordarshan, Railway Ministry social media handles, and MyGov India, allowing the public to witness India’s growing footprint in global manufacturing.

Future prospects for India’s railway exports

India has previously exported smaller batches of locomotives to countries like:

• Sri Lanka

• Bangladesh

• Mozambique

• Tanzania

But the Guinea order is by far the largest export deal for Indian Railways to date, and may pave the way for:

• Complete export trainsets

• International rail consultancy services

• Global maintenance and training contracts

The Ministry is also in talks with other African nations and Gulf countries to explore similar partnerships.

Conclusion: India on global rail map

The flagging off of the first indigenous locomotive for export to Guinea is not only a major diplomatic achievement but also a milestone in India's industrial evolution. With the Marhowrah plant at its core, India is now set to become a locomotive manufacturing powerhouse for emerging markets around the world.

It sends a clear message: India can build, innovate, and deliver world-class products that power global growth.

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