India Becomes Global Leader in Locomotive Manufacturing
India has officially emerged as the world leader in locomotive manufacturing, producing a total of 1,681 locomotives during the financial year 2024-25. This achievement places the country ahead of major global players such as the United States, Europe, Australia, and South America, showcasing India’s growing dominance in heavy manufacturing and rail infrastructure.
Impact of ‘Make in India’ Initiative
This milestone is largely attributed to the success of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which has significantly boosted domestic production capacity. From 2004 to 2014, India manufactured 4,695 locomotives, averaging around 470 units annually. However, in the decade following 2014, production nearly doubled to 9,168 locomotives, with an average of 917 units per year—highlighting a clear acceleration in output.
Key Contributions from Manufacturing Units
Several Indian Railways production facilities have played critical roles in achieving this record:
-
Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) in West Bengal led with the highest output of 700 locomotives.
-
Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi manufactured 477 units.
-
Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW) in Punjab added 304 locomotives.
-
The Electric Locomotive Factory in Madhepura, Bihar, in collaboration with Alstom, produced 100 WAG-12B high-power electric locomotives.
-
The Diesel Locomotive Factory in Marhowrah, Bihar, contributed another 100 units.
Focus on Freight and Passenger Locomotives
The bulk of the production focused on freight locomotives, particularly the WAG-9 and WAG-9H models, known for their strength and efficiency in hauling goods. A total of 1,047 such units were produced, along with 148 twin WAG-9 variants. In addition, 272 WAP-7 and 2 WAP-5 locomotives were manufactured for passenger services, reflecting a balanced approach to both freight and commuter rail needs.
India’s Expanding Global Rail Presence
This record-setting year is a testament to India’s industrial capacity, growing self-reliance, and the strategic shift toward modernizing its rail infrastructure. The country’s increasing output and technological collaboration also position it as a potential exporter of locomotives, enhancing its footprint in global railway supply chains.
With focused policy support, advanced manufacturing practices, and a skilled workforce, India’s locomotive production is poised to continue setting benchmarks on the global stage.
