India’s locomotive export to Guinea, valued at over ₹3,000 crore, is a game-changer for the nation’s railway manufacturing sector. The Marhowrah factory in Bihar, a joint venture between Indian Railways and Wabtec Corporation, will supply 150 Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives for Guinea’s Simandou iron ore project, Africa’s largest mining venture. These 4,500-horsepower diesel locomotives, equipped with AC propulsion, regenerative braking, and ergonomic cabins, are set to revolutionize freight transport. With deliveries starting in June 2025 (37 units), followed by 82 in 2026-27, and 31 in 2028, this deal underscores India’s growing industrial prowess.
The locomotives, designed for Guinea’s 600-km TransGuinean Railway, can haul 8,000 tonnes across 100 wagons, featuring advanced systems like Distributed Power Wireless Control (DPWCS) for synchronized operations. The Marhowrah plant, established in 2018, secured this ₹3,533 crore contract through global competitive bidding, highlighting India’s manufacturing edge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first locomotive on June 20, 2025, a moment that celebrates Bihar’s industrial rise and India’s “Make for the World” vision. The project employs 285 workers directly and 1,215 indirectly, boosting local economies.
This India locomotive export aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, positioning Marhowrah as a global hub. Unlike past exports to Mozambique and Sri Lanka, which used lines of credit, this deal directly boosts Indian Railways’ revenue. With India producing 1,681 locomotives in 2024-25, surpassing the US and Europe, the nation is cementing its place in the global railway market. The success of this contract could open doors to more international deals, strengthening India-Africa ties and showcasing the country’s technological leadership.
The Simandou project, with its 1.5 billion tonnes of iron ore, relies on India’s locomotives to connect mines to the Port of Morebaya. This partnership not only drives Guinea’s economic growth but also elevates India’s global standing. Social media is buzzing with pride, with hashtags like #MakeInIndia and #IndianRailways trending as fans celebrate this milestone. As India’s locomotive export to Guinea takes off, it’s a testament to the nation’s ambition to lead in high-tech manufacturing while fostering international collaboration. This is more than a deal—it’s a bold step toward a $5 trillion economy.