India will export 150 high-horsepower locomotives to Guinea under a major Rs 3,000 crore deal for SimFer’s Simandou iron ore project, with manufacturing being carried out at the Indian Railways’ Marhowrah locomotive factory in Bihar. This is one of the largest locomotive export orders to Africa and highlights India’s growing footprint in global infrastructure supply.
The Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives will be delivered over a three-year period. As per the current schedule, 37 locomotives will be shipped in the ongoing financial year, followed by 82 in the next, and the remaining 31 in the third year. The project was secured through global competitive bidding, reflecting India’s manufacturing strength on an international platform.
Each locomotive, built with a single AC cab, will operate in pairs to haul up to 100 freight wagons at the maximum permissible speed. To facilitate manufacturing for global clients, three types of rail tracks — broad gauge, standard gauge, and Cape gauge — have been installed at the Marhowrah facility.
These 4,500 HP locomotives feature AC propulsion, regenerative braking, microprocessor-based control systems, and modular design. Designed for both performance and comfort, they comply with best-in-class emission norms and are equipped with fire detection systems and ergonomic cabins with modern amenities such as a microwave, refrigerator, and a waterless toilet.
Advanced technology such as the Distributed Power Wireless Control System (DPWCS) allows for synchronised multi-loco operation, enhancing freight efficiency and operational control.
This initiative significantly enhances India’s export capabilities and strengthens the position of the Marhowrah plant as a global hub for locomotive production. It also contributes to employment with 285 people directly employed at the plant, 1,215 through indirect jobs, and over 2,100 involved nationwide in the joint venture’s support services.
Beyond trade, the project deepens India-Africa economic relations by contributing to the development of Guinea’s largest iron ore mining and transport infrastructure. It also serves as a shining example of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative delivering high-quality, innovative engineering solutions to the world.
