India to Export 150 High-Tech Locomotives from Bihar to Africa’s Largest Iron Ore Project

In a landmark development underscoring India’s rising profile in global manufacturing, the Indian Railways has confirmed that the Marhowrah railway locomotive factory in Bihar will export 150 high-tech locomotives worth over ₹3,000 crore to SimFer’s Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, West Africa. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Railways on Monday, signaling a significant stride in India–Africa industrial cooperation and global export competitiveness.

Three-Year Export Timeline and Global Collaboration

According to Dilip Kumar, Executive Director (Information & Publicity) at the Railway Board, the export will span across three fiscal years:

• 37 locomotives will be shipped in the current financial year,
• 82 locomotives in the next, and
• The remaining 31 locomotives in the third year.

The project was awarded through global competitive bidding, reflecting international confidence in India’s technological capabilities and the credibility of the Marhowrah facility, operated under the Make in India initiative.

Advanced Engineering Meets Global Standards

The locomotives are designed to meet some of the highest international standards in freight rail transport. Each unit includes air-conditioned cabins, and when operated in pairs, the locomotives can haul up to 100 freight wagons at maximum permissible speeds — a key capability for the heavy-duty operations required at the Simandou mining site. Dilip Kumar highlighted additional premium features:

• Best-in-class emission controls to ensure environmental compliance
• Fire detection systems for enhanced safety
• Ergonomically designed crew cabins equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and waterless toilet system, boosting crew welfare on long-distance hauls.

These specifications place India’s engineering prowess at the forefront of next-gen freight transportation.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure at Marhowrah

To support the diverse export requirements, three types of railway tracks — broad gauge, standard gauge, and cape gauge — have been installed within the Marhowrah factory premises. This ensures compatibility with various global rail systems, including those in Guinea, and enhances the factory’s ability to cater to international contracts. The locomotives are also equipped with Distributed Power Wireless Control System (DPWCS), enabling synchronized movement and superior cargo handling, critical for high-efficiency mining operations.

Boost to Local Employment and Economic Diplomacy

The locomotive export project is a vivid representation of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), demonstrating how Indian innovation can drive global infrastructure projects. The Marhowrah facility employs 285 people directly, and over 1,215 individuals indirectly through ancillary services. Nationwide, more than 2,100 people are engaged through the joint venture overseeing this project.

Kumar emphasized the broader impact:

“This project reflects India’s manufacturing strength and boosts India–Africa economic ties while offering livelihood opportunities to thousands.”

A New Era in India–Africa Collaboration

With Guinea’s Simandou iron ore project expected to be one of the largest globally, India’s contribution through the Marhowrah factory reflects deepening bilateral relations. The export not only supports infrastructure development in Africa but also places India at the center of global supply chains for heavy transportation equipment.