According to the Ministry of Railways, the locomotives are being manufactured at the Marhowrah Locomotive Factory in Bihar, a joint venture between Indian Railways and private industry under the Make-in-India campaign.
Delivery Schedule Spans Three Years
A Railways spokesperson confirmed the phased delivery plan:
- 37 locomotives to be exported in the current financial year
- 82 locomotives in the next financial year
- 31 locomotives in the third year
All the locomotives are part of the Evolution Series ES43ACmi, built for durability, efficiency, and adaptability in challenging terrains like Guinea’s mining corridors.
Air-Conditioned Cabins and Modern Crew Comfort
Each 4,500-HP locomotive is designed with a single air-conditioned crew cabin. Two locomotives combined will be capable of hauling 100 wagons at the maximum permissible speed on Guinea's heavy-haul iron ore tracks.
The locomotives are also equipped with:
- Alternating Current (AC) propulsion systems
- Regenerative braking for energy efficiency
- Microprocessor-based control systems
- Modular architecture for easy maintenance
To ensure better safety and comfort, the cabins include:
- Fire-detection systems
- Ergonomic seating
- Refrigerator, microwave, and waterless toilet system
These features are tailored to meet global environmental and safety standards.
Global Standards, Local Manufacturing
Highlighting India’s growing role in international rail manufacturing, the Marhowrah plant has laid three types of tracks — broad gauge, standard gauge, and cape gauge — within its premises to meet international export specifications.
“This project was secured via global competitive bidding, proving India’s capability to compete with the best,” the spokesperson added.
Advanced Tech for Superior Freight Handling
The locomotives will feature Distributed Power Wireless Control Systems (DPWCS) for synchronised movement across long hauls — a critical requirement for efficient freight management in the Simandou mining zone.
Employment Boost in Bihar
The Marhowrah facility is also generating substantial employment:
- 285 people directly employed at the factory
- 1,215 people benefiting through indirect employment
This development is not only a technological achievement but also a key example of India’s industrial diplomacy, projecting the country as a global player in railway engineering and heavy freight locomotion.
Strategic and Economic Significance
This massive export deal strengthens India’s engagement in Africa’s infrastructure and natural resource sectors. The Simandou project is poised to reshape the global iron ore supply chain, and India’s locomotives will play a crucial role in enabling its logistics backbone.
With global recognition of its manufacturing prowess and commitment to green technology, India is increasingly emerging as a preferred partner for sustainable infrastructure development in the Global South.