India achieves a major milestone in its railway sector. Soon, indigenously manufactured Indian train engines will be seen running on the tracks of the African nation of Guinea.
New Delhi: The concept of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) is no longer confined to the country's borders. India is now showcasing its technological prowess and industrial capabilities on the world stage. A significant achievement in this direction came when the Indian Railways Ministry announced that India will supply 150 locomotives to the African nation of Guinea. This step is a landmark achievement for India's engineering sector, signifying its growing role as a major global hub for the manufacturing and export of railway equipment.
From Marhaura to Africa: The Locomotives' New Journey
The nation is proud of the Railway Locomotive Factory located in Marhaura, Saran district, Bihar. This factory will manufacture all 150 locomotives, which will be delivered to Guinea over the next three years. This deal, worth over ₹3000 crore (approximately US$365 million), was secured by India through a globally competitive bidding process.
According to Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of the Railway Board's Information and Public Relations Department, 37 engines will be shipped to Guinea in the current fiscal year. 82 engines will be delivered in the following fiscal year, and the remaining 31 engines in the final year. This entire plan will be executed in a phased manner.
Indian Engines Equipped with Advanced Technology
All locomotives will be equipped with modern technology and will include air conditioning. Two engines working together will be capable of hauling heavy freight trains of up to 100 wagons at maximum permissible speed. These locomotives are also equipped with a Distributed Power Wireless Control System (DPWCS), facilitating synchronized operation and more efficient freight transportation.
It is noteworthy that the Marhaura factory has three types of tracks – broad gauge, standard gauge, and cape gauge – allowing it to manufacture engines tailored to the specific needs of different countries. This makes the factory fully capable of meeting global demands.
India's Contribution to Guinea's Development Journey
The supply of these locomotives is not merely a business deal; it symbolizes the growing strategic and economic ties between India and Guinea. According to the Railway Ministry, these engines will play a crucial role in strengthening the infrastructure of Guinea's largest iron ore project. This will not only boost Guinea's economy but also promote India's technological and industrial excellence.
Boosting Local Employment and Technological Empowerment
The project's greatest social benefit is the increase in local employment opportunities. Dilip Kumar stated that currently, 285 people are directly employed at the Marhaura factory, while 1215 are indirectly involved. Furthermore, over 2100 people across the country are employed in various services and projects for this joint venture.
This will not only encourage technological expertise in India but will also significantly benefit small and medium-sized industries associated with the railway industry. This will strengthen the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative and gain global recognition for India's manufacturing capabilities.
Marhaura on its Way to Becoming a Global Export Hub
The Marhaura factory is no longer just a railway engine manufacturing site; it is becoming a symbol of India's global industrial capacity. While this isn't the first time India has exported railway equipment abroad, it is the largest and most technologically advanced export deal to date. This will give India a new identity as a reliable exporting nation.
India's Growing Dominance in International Competition
To secure this deal, India competed with companies from several other countries and won based on technology, price, and timelines. This indicates that Indian engineering companies are now fully capable of providing world-class quality and services.
This is a successful example of the Indian government's "Make in India" policy, which not only meets domestic needs through domestic production but also confidently addresses international demands.
Elevating India-Africa Relations
India and African nations share a historic relationship. This agreement will further strengthen this partnership. India views Africa not merely as a market but as a strategic partner. Supplying locomotives to Guinea will not only increase trade but also strengthen bilateral relations.
