A New Era in Freight Transportation: PM Modi Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Locomotive Production Facility in Dahod
India’s “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative introduces its most potent 9000 HP electric freight locomotives.
By Ankit Sahu | CT Reporter
New Delhi | May 27, 2025
In a landmark move set to redefine the future of freight logistics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a cutting-edge locomotive manufacturing facility at the Rolling Stock Workshop in Dahod, Gujarat. This marks a new era in Indian Railways’ freight transport capabilities—driven by power, sustainability, and indigenous innovation.
At the heart of this transformation is the production of 1,200 ultra-modern, 9000-horsepower electric freight locomotives, a feat never before achieved in India. Designed with advanced IGBT-based propulsion systems, these locomotives are poised to drastically enhance haulage efficiency, reduce operating costs, and support India’s commitment to a greener future.
Game-Changing Features of the Dahod Locomotives:
- 9000 HP single-unit electric engines—India’s most powerful to date.
- Capable of hauling 4,500–5,000 tonnes over steep gradients.
- Built with 89% indigenous components under the Make in India initiative.
- Equipped with regenerative braking and manufactured in a green-energy powered facility.
- With India’s own collision-avoidance technology, Kavach, integrated.
- Climate-controlled driver cabins, low-noise operations, and advanced surveillance systems.
These locomotives are not just an engineering marvel—they signal a leap toward sustainable, high-efficiency freight transport. Compared to conventional engines (typically 4500 or 6000 HP), these single-unit 9000 HP engines eliminate the need for dual operations and offer seamless performance with reduced trips, leading to:
- Optimized traffic on busy freight corridors,
- Lower fuel and labor costs,
- Enhanced turnaround times,
- Reduced carbon emissions and improved safety.
Global Standards, Local Impact
The Dahod facility is designed to manufacture both Broad Gauge (for India) and Standard Gauge (for export), enabling India to enter the global rail manufacturing market with full force. Its high local content and modular design approach also ensure adaptability and cost-effectiveness for international clients.
Adding to the project’s national importance is its focus on local employment and upskilling. Over 85% of jobs at the facility have been filled by local youth, supported by advanced digital simulation models for technician and driver training.
Reviving Dahod’s Legacy as a Rail Hub
Once a key center of railway activity, Dahod had seen a gradual decline—until PM Modi’s 2022 vision to transform it into a major locomotive manufacturing hub. Today, that vision has taken concrete shape. The facility not only revives regional infrastructure but acts as a springboard for industrial growth in the region.
Towards a Future-Ready Railway Ecosystem
This initiative aligns with India’s larger goals:
- To become a global manufacturing hub,
- To reduce logistics costs for industries,
- To boost freight capacity while minimizing environmental impact.
The green-certified Dahod facility sets a benchmark for eco-conscious manufacturing, contributing to India’s climate commitments through lower emissions and smart energy recirculation.
In summary, the introduction of these high-power locomotives is not just about increasing speed or capacity—it’s about redefining how India moves goods, empowering local industry, and reshaping global perceptions of Indian engineering.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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