India Overtakes Europe and the US in Locomotive Production to Become a Global Leader
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Synopsis
India has set a new benchmark in locomotive production by manufacturing 1,681 units in the financial year 2024-25, surpassing Europe and the US, highlighting its commitment to the Make in India initiative.
Key Takeaways
- India produced a record 1,681 locomotives in 2024-25.
- Surpassed production from Europe and the US.
- Significant increase from 1,472 locomotives in 2023-24.
- Majority were WAG-9/9H locomotives for freight.
- Showcases the success of the Make in India program.
New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) India has positioned itself as a world leader in the manufacturing of railway locomotives, achieving an unprecedented production of 1,681 locomotives in the financial year 2024-25, as stated by the Railway Ministry on Wednesday.
This achievement has surpassed the combined total locomotive output of regions like Europe, the United States, South America, Africa, and Australia, further solidifying India’s expanding influence in the international railway industry.
According to the Railways statement, "The ongoing increase in locomotive production can be directly attributed to the strategic initiatives taken to bolster the Make in India program. From 2004 to 2014, India produced a cumulative total of 4,695 locomotives, averaging 470 per year. In stark contrast, from 2014 to 2024, the production escalated to 9,168 locomotives, elevating the annual average to approximately 917."
The Indian Railways' manufacturing facilities have accomplished a significant feat by producing 1,681 locomotives across various categories in the financial year 2024-25. This reflects an increase of 19 percent, or 209 locomotives, compared to the 1,472 locomotives produced in the previous financial year 2023-24.
This record-setting production marks the highest level of locomotive manufacturing in India’s history, showcasing the remarkable progress of all units in improving railway infrastructure and capabilities.
Of the 1,681 locomotives produced this year, 700 were constructed at the Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, 477 at Banaras Locomotive Works, 304 at Patiala Locomotive Works, and 100 each at the Madhepura and Marhowrah units in Bihar.
The majority of these locomotives were designed for freight trains. Among the 1,681 locomotives produced in the financial year 2024-25, 1,047 were WAG-9/9H locomotives. These are heavy-duty, three-phase AC electric locomotives utilized by Indian Railways for freight operations, renowned for their speed and strength. They are the sole freight-focused three-phase AC locomotives in India, with the WAG-9H boasting a power rating that exceeds that of the standard WAG-9. Additionally, 148 WAG-9 Twin locomotives, 2 WAP-5 locomotives, and 272 WAP-7 locomotives were also manufactured during this period.
The remaining locomotives included 100 WAG-12B and WDG 4G/6G locomotives each, along with five NRC locomotives.
