India approves construction of locomotive factories

Ministers in India have backed the construction of two new locomotive manufacturing sites which are expected to supply the country with almost 2,000 new rail vehicles over the next 10 years.

The Union Cabinet this week approved two new factories, one for electric locomotives and one for diesel units, in Madhepura and Marhowra, Bihar.

Construction of the new facilities represents and investment of around 3,300 crore rupees (€400 million), with much of support expected to come from an international rolling stock manufacturer in the form of a joint venture.

Announcing the plans, the Indian government said: “Locomotives manufactured by these factories will be of international class energy/fuel efficiency and will become an important instrument of India`s response to global efforts towards mitigation of adverse impacts on climate due to emission of green-house gases.

“Successful execution of these projects by the JV route will usher Indian Railways into a new era of reforms.”




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