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New Delhi: India has claimed the top spot in railway locomotive manufacturing, setting a new record with the production of 1,681 locomotives in the financial year 2024-25, according to a statement issued by the Railway Ministry on Wednesday.
This achievement places India ahead of regions such as Europe, the United States, South America, Africa and Australia in total locomotive production, reinforcing the nation’s growing prominence in the railway sector.
"The continuous rise in locomotive production is a direct result of strategic decisions taken to strengthen the Make in India initiative. Between 2004 and 2014, India produced a total of 4,695 locomotives, with a national annual average of 470. In contrast, from 2014 to 2024, locomotive manufacturing witnessed a significant surge, with 9,168 locomotives produced, raising the annual average to approximately 917," the statement highlighted.
Manufacturing units under Indian Railways produced 1,681 locomotives across different categories in 2024-25, reflecting a rise of 209 units or 19 percent compared to the 1,472 locomotives manufactured in the preceding financial year.
This production figure marks the highest ever recorded in the country's history, showcasing the success of efforts aimed at expanding railway infrastructure and capacity.
Breaking down the numbers, Chittaranjan Locomotive Works led with 700 locomotives, followed by Banaras Locomotive Works with 477, Patiala Locomotive Works with 304, and Bihar-based units in Madhepura and Marhowrah, which each contributed 100 locomotives.
A major portion of these locomotives was built for freight operations. Of the total 1,681 locomotives manufactured, 1,047 were WAG-9/9H models—heavy-duty, three-phase AC electric locomotives known for their speed and power. The WAG-9H variant offers higher power output than the standard WAG-9 and is among the most powerful freight locomotives in the country.
In addition, the production included 148 WAG-9 Twin locomotives, two WAP-5 locomotives, and 272 WAP-7 locomotives. Furthermore, 100 WAG-12B locomotives, 100 WDG 4G/6G locomotives, and five NRC locomotives were also manufactured in the financial year.
IANS
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