Bihar’s Marhowrah Factory to Deliver 150 Locomotives to Guinea Under Mega Export Pact

India is set to export 150 high-horsepower locomotives to the West African nation of Guinea under a ₹3,000 crore deal, reinforcing the country’s manufacturing strength in the global rail sector.

The locomotives are being built at the Marhowrah Diesel Locomotive Factory in Bihar, a facility developed under the Make in India initiative in partnership with Wabtec Corporation.

These locomotives will be used for Guinea’s Simandou iron ore project, one of the continent’s largest mining developments. The export order was secured through a global competitive bidding process, further establishing India's credibility in high-end manufacturing for international infrastructure projects.

Export Schedule and Manufacturing Capabilities

According to official sources, the export will be phased over three financial years:

• 37 locomotives to be delivered in the current fiscal.
• 82 locomotives in the following year.
• 31 locomotives in the third year.

The Marhowrah factory is equipped with broad gauge, standard gauge, and Cape gauge tracks to facilitate the manufacturing and testing of locomotives for varied international markets.

Key Features of the Locomotives

The Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives are built with advanced specifications suited for heavy freight operations:

• 4500 HP diesel-electric engine with AC propulsion
• Regenerative braking system
• Microprocessor-based controls
• Modular architecture for easy maintenance
• DPWCS (Distributed Power Wireless Control System) to enable synchronised operation across multiple units

Each unit features a single AC cab, and two locomotives together can haul 100 wagons at maximum permissible speeds. Additional crew comfort features include a refrigerator, microwave, waterless toilet, and ergonomically designed cabins. Fire detection systems and emission-compliant technologies are also part of the build.

Strengthening India-Africa Ties

This export marks a significant milestone in India-Africa economic cooperation, with India contributing to the development of core infrastructure in Guinea. The locomotives will support critical freight movement for the Simandou project, boosting mining logistics and regional connectivity.

Boost to Local Economy and Skills in Bihar

The Marhowrah factory, employing over 285 individuals, is emerging as a global hub for locomotive exports. The project not only promotes local employment but also enhances India’s technological capabilities in locomotive engineering.

Read More: Rare Earth Independence: Attero Targets 30,000-Tonne Capacity with ₹100 Crore Plan.

Conclusion

The export of 150 locomotives to Guinea positions India as a serious player in global railway solutions. With advanced manufacturing, competitive pricing, and robust engineering, India’s rail exports are contributing meaningfully to international infrastructure development while supporting domestic industrial growth.

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