Photo Credit: India TV News
In a landmark moment for Indian Railways and a boost to India’s ambitious Make in India initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the country’s first 9,000 horsepower (HP) electric locomotive at the newly built Dahod locomotive workshop in Gujarat. The rollout of this powerful freight engine marks a transformative step in India’s journey towards self-reliant, high-capacity rail infrastructure.
Built with an investment of ₹21,405 crore, the Dahod workshop has evolved into a world-class manufacturing hub in just three years. Designed for heavy-haul operations, the 9,000 HP electric locomotive can pull freight loads up to 4,600 tonnes, significantly boosting the capacity and speed of freight transportation in India.
This cutting-edge locomotive, developed in partnership with global transport giant Alstom, will play a key role in modernizing the Indian Railways freight network. The new engines are expected to complement the existing 12,000 HP WAG12B fleet currently used along Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), offering enhanced operational efficiency on electrified routes across the country.
Over the next 11 years, the Dahod facility plans to manufacture 1,200 such locomotives, starting with a target of 120 units annually, which can scale up to 150 based on demand. The workshop is also expected to generate over 10,000 jobs, making it a major employment and economic driver for the region.
With a focus on sustainability, these high-power electric locomotives feature regenerative braking systems and energy-efficient technologies. This aligns with Indian Railways’ goal to become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030 and to shift more logistics load from road to rail, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Speaking at the launch, PM Modi highlighted how the Dahod facility is a shining example of India’s engineering excellence and commitment to technological advancement. Once a colonial-era railway repair yard, Dahod has now been transformed into a modern production powerhouse.
Railway Ministry officials and Alstom executives noted that the Dahod unit could also emerge as an export hub for electric locomotives, with countries in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East expressing interest in Indian-made engines. The strategic public-private partnership (PPP) model has enabled the rapid rollout of this complex project.
The first 9,000 HP locomotive from Dahod marks not only a leap in horsepower but a leap in confidence – for a nation’s intent on becoming a leader in sustainable, self-reliant transportation technology.
