Patna: Bihar’s Marhaura Locomotive Plant has dispatched its 51st locomotive to the African nation of Guinea, marking a significant milestone in the state’s expanding presence in global manufacturing and exports.
The locomotive was flagged off at a special ceremony by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
The dispatch comes a year after the first consignment of four locomotives was exported to Guinea on June 20, 2025, reflecting a rapid increase in production and international demand from the Marhaura facility.
Locomotive to Support Guinea’s Simandou Project
The locomotive will travel from Marhaura to Mundra Port before being shipped to Guinea by sea.
According to officials, the ES43ACmi and WDG4G class locomotives manufactured at the plant are designed for heavy freight operations and generate 4,500 horsepower. The locomotives are expected to play a key role in Guinea’s ambitious Simandou Project, one of the world’s largest iron ore development projects.
The engines have been developed using Indian technology and are built to operate efficiently in demanding geographical and climatic conditions.
Rs 3,000 Crore Export Agreement
The export programme is part of an agreement valued at approximately Rs 3,000 crore for the supply of 140 locomotives to Guinea over the next three years.
The deal was finalised following visits by representatives of the Guinean government, who evaluated the manufacturing capabilities of the Marhaura facility before placing the order.
Officials said the agreement represents one of the largest international locomotive export orders secured by an Indian manufacturing unit.
India-US Joint Venture
The locomotives are manufactured by Wabtec Railway Locomotive Private Limited, a joint venture between the Indian Ministry of Railways and US-based Wabtec Corporation.
Under the ownership structure, Wabtec holds a 76 per cent stake in the venture, while the Ministry of Railways holds the remaining 24 per cent.
More Than 729 Locomotives Produced Since 2018
Since beginning operations in 2018, the Marhaura plant has manufactured more than 729 diesel locomotives. Most of these engines are currently deployed on freight routes across the Indian Railways network.
Spread over nearly 270 acres in Saran district, the facility produces diesel locomotives ranging from 4,500 to 6,000 horsepower and employs around 600 engineers, technicians and support staff.
Symbol of Bihar’s Industrial Growth
The Marhaura locomotive plant has emerged as one of Bihar’s most prominent industrial projects, contributing to the state’s manufacturing ecosystem and employment generation.
The dispatch of the 51st locomotive to Guinea highlights the transition from the government’s “Make in India” initiative towards broader export-oriented manufacturing. Officials said the achievement demonstrates the capability of Bihar-based industries to compete in international markets and supply advanced railway technology to global infrastructure projects.
