Marhowra Plant to Export Locomotives by 2025
Why in the news?
The Marhowra plant, a joint venture between Indian Railways and Wabtec, will start exporting Evolution Series locomotives to Africa in 2025, boosting India’s manufacturing capabilities.
Expansion of Marhowra Plant:
- Joint Venture: Wabtec Locomotive Private Limited, a collaboration between Indian Railways and Wabtec, is enhancing the Marhowra plant’s capabilities.
- Export Plans: The plant will manufacture Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives for export to Africa, marking its first international orders.
- Product Specifications: The ES43ACmi features a 4,500 HP engine, designed for high fuel efficiency and optimal performance in high-temperature conditions.
Strategic Importance:
- Global Hub: This initiative positions India as a leading global locomotive manufacturing hub.
- Support for Initiatives: Aligns with the “Make in India” and “Make for the World” initiatives under the “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” vision.
- Economic Benefits: Expected to expand the local supplier network and create long-term job opportunities, bolstering the Indian economy.
Marhowra Plant Overview:
- Location: Situated on 70 acres in Marhowra, Bihar, established in 2018.
- Production Capacity: Aims to produce 1,000 advanced locomotives for Indian Railways; currently delivers about 100 locomotives annually.
- Employment and Impact: Employs approximately 600 individuals, significantly enhancing industrial activities in Bihar.
- Public-Private Partnership: Success attributed to collaboration between the Ministry of Railways and Wabtec, with 650 locomotives already manufactured for Indian Railways.
Sources Referred:
PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times