Bihar-Made Locomotives to Be Exported Soon, Says Railway Minister

New Delhi/Patna: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced in the Rajya Sabha on Monday that the export of locomotives manufactured at the rail factory in Madhepura, Bihar, will begin soon. “Made-in-Bihar locomotives are set to reach global markets,” Vaishnaw said, adding that nearly 100 locomotives produced at the facility in Madhepura district would be exported.

Taking a dig at former railway minister and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, Vaishnaw said that while the factory had been announced during Prasad’s tenure, no actual work had begun. “It was only after 2014 that work on the factory truly started,” he said, prompting table-thumping from members in the House.

Railways Expanding Freight and Coach Exports

Responding to discussions on the functioning of the Ministry of Railways, Vaishnaw highlighted a rise in both passenger and freight traffic. He also noted that Indian railway coaches are being exported to multiple countries, underscoring the global demand for India’s railway manufacturing capabilities.

Vaishnaw further pointed out that passenger fares in India remain heavily subsidized, with the Railways relying on freight revenue. “The actual cost per kilometer is Rs 1.38, but passengers are charged only 72 paise,” he said. Comparing fares with neighboring countries, he noted that a 350-km journey in India costs Rs 121 in the general class, whereas the same journey costs Rs 400 in Pakistan and Rs 413 in Sri Lanka.

The minister’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts to modernize India’s railway infrastructure and boost exports of railway equipment.