Indian Railways is set to export 150 state-of-the-art locomotives manufactured at the Marhowrah factory in Bihar to Guinea, Africa, as part of a Rs 3,000 crore deal. This is one of the largest locomotive export orders to Africa and a major boost to the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, showcasing the nation’s technological prowess on the world stage.
The locomotives will be deployed for SimFer’s Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, a key infrastructure venture that will benefit from India’s engineering excellence. The deal was secured through a global competitive bidding process, underlining the competitiveness and reliability of Indian manufacturing.
The export will be executed over three years: 37 locomotives will be shipped in the current financial year, 82 in the next, and the remaining 31 in the third year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first consignment from the Marhowrah Diesel Locomotive Factory, marking the first time Indian Railways has exported such advanced engines to Africa.
Each locomotive features a single AC cab; two locomotives will operate in tandem to haul up to 100 freight wagons, carrying 8,000 tonnes of iron ore at the maximum permissible speed. The design ensures reliable performance across Guinea’s challenging terrain and climate.
The Marhowrah factory, a public-private partnership between Indian Railways and GE Transportation (now part of Wabtec), has emerged as a global hub for locomotive manufacturing and exports. The facility is equipped with broad gauge, standard gauge, and Cape gauge tracks to meet international requirements, further enhancing its export capabilities.
This project has also generated significant local employment—285 direct jobs and over 1,200 indirect jobs at the factory, with more than 2,100 people engaged nationwide in related services.
This export marks a shift from previous Indian Railways exports, which were typically development aid via lines of credit. The Guinea deal is a purely commercial contract, boosting railway revenues and strengthening India’s industrial and diplomatic ties with Africa.
The locomotives will play a crucial role in Guinea’s infrastructure development, powering the transport of iron ore from mines to ports and supporting the country’s economic growth. For India, the deal cements its reputation as a reliable supplier of advanced, cost-effective rail technology.
The Bihar-to-Guinea locomotive export is a shining example of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’—self-reliant India—delivering world-class solutions for global infrastructure. As Indian Railways continues to break new ground in manufacturing and exports, the Marhowrah factory stands as a beacon of innovation, quality, and international partnership.