The foundation stone of Railways for the electric locomotive manufacturing unit at Dahod, Gujarat, was laid in April 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This ambitious project, with an estimated cost of Rs 20,000 crore, aims to revolutionize freight movement in India by manufacturing high-speed, high-horsepower locomotives.
Production Timeline and Export Plans
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Saturday that the Dahod unit will begin producing a sufficient number of high-speed freight train engines within the next three years. He further stated that India will export locomotives manufactured at the Dahod unit, marking a significant milestone in the country’s railway advancements and global reach.
Minister’s Visit and Engine Inspection
During his day-long visit to Gujarat, Vaishnaw reviewed the progress of the manufacturing unit and inspected the first 9000 horsepower (HP) engine produced at Dahod. He confirmed that this locomotive will be ready to serve the Indian Railways within the next few months. The inspection was part of the government’s broader vision to modernize railway infrastructure and increase the efficiency of freight movement across the country.
Importance of High-Speed Freight Locomotives
The Indian Railways aims to enhance the speed and efficiency of freight transportation. To achieve this, high-horsepower and high-speed locomotives are essential. Freight trains play a crucial role in the country’s logistics network, and increasing their speed and capacity will help decongest existing railway lines, reduce transit times, and support economic growth.
The Ministry of Railways has initiated the production of 9000 HP freight locomotives at the Rolling Stock Workshop in Dahod, Gujarat. These powerful engines are expected to transform cargo transportation, reducing logistical bottlenecks and supporting industries reliant on rail freight.
Collaboration with Siemens under ‘Make in India’
Western Railway stated that the Dahod Workshop has been upgraded to manufacture high-horsepower electric locomotives by partnering with Siemens. This collaboration aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for World’ initiatives, ensuring a transparent bidding process. Siemens, a global leader in locomotive technology, will bring its expertise to the project, ensuring that the locomotives meet world-class standards.
This partnership not only enhances domestic manufacturing capabilities but also boosts India’s potential as a railway equipment exporter. By producing advanced locomotives locally, India can reduce dependency on foreign imports and create new job opportunities in the railway sector.
Impact on Freight Movement
Vaishnaw highlighted that these powerful locomotives will significantly improve freight transportation by:
- Increasing the average speed of cargo trains
- Enhancing load-carrying capacity
- Decongesting heavily used railway tracks
- Reducing logistics costs for businesses
- Improving overall efficiency in goods transportation
According to railway officials, these locomotives will be capable of hauling a 4500-tonne cargo load at a maximum speed of 120 kmph, making them a game changer for freight transportation in India. The increased efficiency and reliability of these engines will contribute to India’s goal of modernizing its railway infrastructure and making cargo transportation more seamless and cost-effective.
Advanced Features of Dahod-Manufactured Locomotives
The locomotives produced at Dahod will include cutting-edge features such as:
- Digital Tracking System: Allows real-time monitoring of locomotive performance
- Kavach (Indian Railways’ Indigenous Safety System): Prevents collisions and enhances train safety
- Green Energy-Efficient Technology: Reduces carbon footprint and supports sustainability goals
- Three-Phase Propulsion System: Ensures higher efficiency and lower maintenance costs
These advancements will ensure efficiency, safety, and sustainability in freight movement across the country. The inclusion of modern tracking and safety features will make Indian Railways more competitive and reliable, boosting the confidence of businesses that rely on rail transport.
Boost to Economic Growth and Job Creation
The Dahod manufacturing unit is expected to create numerous employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly. The expansion of railway manufacturing will lead to increased demand for skilled labor, thereby contributing to the local economy. Additionally, as India starts exporting these locomotives, the country will witness growth in foreign investment and international collaborations in railway technology.
The project also supports India’s broader vision of strengthening its industrial base. With improved freight transportation capabilities, industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and e-commerce will benefit from faster and more efficient logistics.
Conclusion
With the Dahod unit gearing up for full-scale production, India is set to become a key player in high-speed freight locomotive manufacturing. The export of these locomotives will not only strengthen India’s position in global railway infrastructure but also contribute to economic growth, technological advancement, and employment generation. As the railway sector evolves, India’s investment in high-speed freight locomotives will drive greater efficiency, making the nation a significant player in the global transportation sector.
