 "PM Modi inaugrated the made-in-India locomotives in Bihar’s Siwan district. Image courtesy: X")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off a state-of-the-art diesel locomotive built in Bihar, set to be exported to the Republic of Guinea in West Africa, marking a major step forward for India’s global manufacturing and export goals.
The locomotives were produced at the Marhowra Diesel Locomotive Plant, located in Bihar’s Saran district, and are being touted as a key achievement under the country’s ‘Make in India — Make for the World’ initiative.
PM Modi, who is on his fourth visit to Bihar ahead of the state elections, took the opportunity to launch the locomotive. He also laid the foundation for several development projects worth Rs 9,145 crore during his stop in Siwan.
“I returned from abroad only yesterday. During this visit, I spoke to the leaders of the world’s prosperous countries. All the leaders are very impressed with India’s rapid progress. They see India becoming the world’s third-largest economic superpower. Bihar is going to play a crucial role in this…,” he said.
Features of India’s first-ever export locomotive
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the locomotive flagged off on Friday is the first export unit built at the Marhowra Diesel Locomotive Plant in Bihar’s Saran district.
Speaking to ANI, Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity (EDIP) at the Railway Board, explained that while the plant earlier manufactured locomotives solely for Indian Railways, an increase in capacity has now opened the doors to international exports.
“We have received a big order from the Republic of Guinea, which requires standard-gauge locomotives. 150 locomotives will be sent to the Republic of Guinea over the next three years for their iron ore mine,” he said.
Sandeep, Managing Director of Wabtec India, noted that the locomotives are a key part of Guinea’s Simandou Project, considered one of the largest iron ore mining projects in the world.
The project was awarded back in 2015, with Wabtec holding a 75 per cent equity stake and Indian Railways owning 25 per cent. Since production began, the plant has delivered 726 locomotives to Indian Railways, and now, 150 units valued at nearly Rs 3,000 crore will be shipped to Guinea.
The release said the locomotives are equipped with high-horsepower engines, an advanced AC propulsion system, microprocessor-based control systems, ergonomic cab designs, and incorporate technologies like regenerative braking.
A senior Railways official, quoted by The Indian Express, called the moment a major milestone for the country: “This moment marks a historic milestone. For the first time, a manufacturing unit based in Bihar is exporting heavy locomotive engines to the global market, firmly placing India on the map as a global railway manufacturing hub.”
The official added that the success reflects India’s push towards self-reliance and global competitiveness.
This achievement echoes the vision of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, translating policy into tangible, global impact. With the slogan ‘Make in Bihar – Make for the World’, Saran is transforming from a small town to a symbol of India’s manufacturing capability.”
PM Modi’s Bihar visit
PM Modi kicked off his latest visit to Bihar from Siwan on Friday, where he inaugurated the Vaishali-Deoria railway line project, a major development worth over Rs 400 crore.
He also flagged off a new Vande Bharat Express service, connecting Patliputra and Gorakhpur via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah.
This visit adds to a series of stops the Prime Minister has made in poll-bound Bihar this year. Earlier, he travelled to Bhagalpur, Madhubani, and Vikramganj (Rohtas) as part of his outreach across different regions of the state.
A senior BJP leader told The Indian Express that more such visits are expected in the coming months.
“In election year, the PM has been travelling to every Bihar region, telling people about the central government’s mega projects for the state. We are expecting more Bihar visits by the PM in the coming months.”
With input from agencies