In a first India, the country is set to export locomotives to a global customer with Africa as its destination. Wabtec Locomotives, a joint venture between Indian Railways and U.S.-based Wabtec Corporation, will manufacture the locomotives at its Marhowra plant in Bihar, marking a significant step in India’s rise as a global manufacturing hub.

The first set of exports is slated to begin in 2025, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Railways.

The project holds strategic importance as it aligns with India’s “Make in India” and “Make for the World” initiatives, integral part of the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision. By producing and exporting locomotives, India is showcasing its growing capabilities in advanced engineering and manufacturing on a global stage.

The Railways Ministry emphasized that this collaboration not only strengths India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities but also boosts its global competitiveness in locomotive production. 

The Marhowra plant, established in 2018, has already proven its ability to meet high production demands. Delivering an impressive 100 locomotives annually to Indian Railways, the plant has added 650 locomotives to the railways’ fleet since its inception.

 

The ministry’s statement confirmed that Wabtex and Indian Railways will work together to further enhance the plants’ output, with a focus on catering to the growing global demand for locomotives.

 

In addition to the Marowra facility, Wabtec Corporation has been expanding its manufacturing footprint in India. In May 2024, Wabtec opened a new manufacturing campus in Rohtak, Haryana, with an initial investment Rs 150 crore. The Rohtak facility is expected to start with the production of transit rail components and subsystems, but the company plans to expand into other product lines over the coming years. This investment reflects Wabtec’s long-term commitment to the Indian markets and the potential for growth in rail manufacturing. 

With India now entering the global locomotive market, the partnership between Indian Railways and Wabtec Corporation signifies a new era for Indian manufacturing. This endeavor is expected to strengthen India’s position in the global railway supply chain, contributing to its economic growth and its goal of becoming a leading exporter of advanced technology.