In a move to strengthen India’s role in the export of rolling stock in the global market, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the indigenously built diesel locomotive for export to Guinea, a coastal country located in Africa, on 20 June.
This 4500 horsepower (HP) locomotive was manufactured in the Marhowrah Diesel Locomotive Factory, which is situated in the Saran district of Bihar.
The Marhowrah Diesel Locomotive Factory was established as a joint venture between Indian Railways and the American company General Electric (now Wabtec)
The locomotive plant bagged the contract for supplying a total of 150 locomotives at a cost of 411 million dollars (Rs 3,533 crore). The cost of one locomotive will be 2.74 million dollars or Rs 23.55 crore. The locomotive plant will roll out the locomotives in phases:
| Number of Locomotives | Year of Roll Out |
| 37 | 2025-26 |
| 82 | 2026-27 |
| 31 | 2027-28 |
These locomotives are designed to support freight transportation operations. Each unit is powered by a 4,500 HP engine and incorporates several modern features for improving performance and crew comfort. The locomotives meet advanced emission standards and are equipped with fire detection systems, insulated roofs, and windshield heating for defogging. The crew cabins are ergonomically designed and include air conditioning, a functional toilet, refrigerator, microwave, and a waterless toilet system.
The locomotives are designed with single cabins and will operate in pairs to haul freight loads. When deployed together, two locomotives can carry up to 100 wagons at the maximum permissible speed, with a total freight capacity of approximately 8,000 tonnes.
For improved control and coordination, the rake will be fitted with a Distributed Power Wireless Control System (DPWCS), which allows wireless management of locomotives positioned at both ends of the train.
This development signals the success of the Make in India and Make for World initiative. It also highlights India’s growing presence in the international railway market.
Additionally, PM Modi will also flag off a Vande Bharat train from Patliputra (Bihar) to Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) on June 20.
