India To Export 150 Locomotives Worth Rs 3,000 Cr To Guinea

New Delhi, Jun 17 (KNN) India will export 150 domestically manufactured locomotives valued at over Rs 3,000 crore to the West African nation of Guinea, the Ministry of Railways announced on Monday, June 16, 2025. 

The locomotives are intended for operations at Guinea’s Simandou iron ore project, one of the world’s largest untapped reserves of high-grade iron ore.

The export agreement was secured through global competitive bidding and will be executed by the Railway Locomotive Factory in Marhowrah, Bihar. 

A railway spokesperson said that 37 Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives will be delivered in the current financial year, followed by 82 units in the next fiscal year and the remaining 31 units in the third year.

Each of the 4,500-horsepower locomotives is equipped with advanced alternating current (AC) propulsion, regenerative braking, and modular architecture. 

The units also feature microprocessor-based control systems and ergonomic, air-conditioned crew cabins fitted with modern amenities such as refrigerators, microwaves, and waterless toilets.

Designed to meet stringent emission norms, the locomotives are also fitted with fire-detection systems and a Distributed Power Wireless Control System (DPWCS) for synchronised operations and enhanced freight efficiency. 

Two single-cab locomotives will operate in tandem to haul up to 100 wagons at the maximum permissible speed.

To support this production, the Marhowrah facility has installed broad gauge, standard gauge, and cape gauge tracks. 

The factory currently provides direct employment to 285 individuals and supports an additional 1,215 jobs indirectly, the spokesperson added.

This deal underscores India’s growing presence in global railway manufacturing and its strategic engagement with African nations under the Make in India initiative.

(KNN Bureau)