Made-in-India Locomotives Head to Guinea
In a moment of historic pride, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first-ever 'Made-in-India' locomotive built exclusively for export, during his visit to Bihar on Friday. The cutting-edge diesel locomotive—manufactured at the Marhowra Diesel Locomotive Plant in Saran district—is headed to the Republic of Guinea in West Africa.
This locomotive is part of a massive order of 150 units, worth nearly ₹3,000 crore, that will be delivered over the next three years. Designed under the ‘Make in India – Make for the World’ initiative, these locomotives are equipped with high-horsepower engines, AC propulsion, microprocessor-based control systems, and regenerative braking technology.
This marks a first for Bihar: a domestically manufactured, heavy-duty engine being shipped beyond Indian borders. It positions the state—and by extension, India—as a growing force in global railway manufacturing.
PM Modi’s Strategic Bihar Visit Amid Poll Season
PM Modi’s flag-off ceremony wasn’t just a technical achievement—it was also a political statement. With Bihar heading into state elections, this visit—his fourth this year—is part of a broader outreach campaign.
During his stop in Siwan, the Prime Minister launched several key projects worth ₹9,145 crore, including the Vaishali-Deoria railway line project and a new Vande Bharat Express connecting Patliputra and Gorakhpur via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah.
“These projects show that Bihar is not just watching India’s progress—it’s driving it,” said Modi, highlighting how global leaders now view India as a future third-largest economic power, with Bihar playing a “crucial role” in that journey.
The timing of the visit is no coincidence. Having already visited Bhagalpur, Madhubani, and Rohtas earlier this year, Modi's repeat presence underscores the BJP's intent to consolidate support across regions. Party insiders suggest more such visits are expected in the run-up to the polls.
A Global Shift: From Bihar’s Soil to Africa’s Rails
The Marhowra Diesel Locomotive Plant, a result of a public-private partnership between Indian Railways and Wabtec, was originally intended to serve domestic needs. But with rising production capacity and technological upgrades, the plant is now ready to take on international orders.
According to railway officials, the 150 locomotives will support Guinea’s Simandou Project, one of the largest iron ore mining initiatives globally. Wabtec holds a 75% stake in the project, with Indian Railways owning the rest.
Sandeep, Wabtec India’s MD, called the move "a transformative moment for Indian engineering." Not only does it affirm India’s self-reliant ambitions under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, but it also reflects how smaller Indian towns like Saran are stepping onto the global industrial map.
“This is more than an export. It’s a signal to the world that Indian manufacturing is global-grade,” said a senior Railway Board official.
Bihar at the Heart of India's Global Manufacturing Dreams
As India aspires to lead the global manufacturing revolution, Bihar—often overlooked in national development narratives—is emerging as a surprise frontrunner. The export of locomotives from Saran not only validates India’s industrial capacity but also embodies the very spirit of 'Make in Bihar – Make for the World.'
PM Modi’s visit, blending economic showcase with electoral strategy, signals a deeper narrative: India’s rise as a global powerhouse will be powered not just by metros and tech parks, but also by its smaller, industrious towns. And in that vision, Bihar stands tall—wheels turning, engines roaring, future bound.
(With agency inputs)
