PM Modi inaugurates Indian Railways’ ₹21,405 Cr locomotive factory in Gujarat. 120 engines/year capacity, 4600-tonne haulage power, 10,000 jobs created.
Transformational Project at a Glance
🏭 Facility: Indian Railways’ locomotive manufacturing plant
📍 Location: Dahod, Gujarat
💰 Investment: ₹21,405 crore
🔧 Capacity: 120 locomotives/year (expandable to 150)
⚡ Power: 9,000 HP electric locomotives
🚂 First Unit: Flagged off by PM Modi during visit
Key Features & Benefits
1. World-Class Manufacturing Hub
- Production Capacity: 1,200 locomotives over 10 years
- Freight Capacity: Each engine can haul 4,600 tonnes of cargo
- Advanced Features:
- Air-conditioned driver cabins
- Enhanced safety “cover system”
- Export-grade quality for global markets
2. Economic & Employment Impact
- 10,000+ Jobs created (direct & indirect)
- Ancillary Industry Boost: Opportunities for SMEs in engineering & power sectors
- Local Development: Transforms Dahod into an industrial hub
3. Railway Infrastructure Boost
- Freight Efficiency: Increases loading capacity for Indian Railways
- Sustainability: Electric locomotives reduce carbon footprint
- Export Potential: “Make in India” initiative for global markets
PM Modi’s Gujarat Visit Highlights
📅 May 26-27, 2024: 2-day tour covering Dahod, Bhuj & Gandhinagar
🛤️ Other Railway Projects Inaugurated (₹2,287 Cr):
- Doubling of Anand-Godhra, Mehsana-Palanpur & Rajkot-Hadmatiya lines
- 107 km electrification of Sabarmati-Botad section
- Gauge conversion of Kalol-Kadi-Katosan line
Industry Reactions
“Completion in just 3 years shows India’s infrastructure execution capability. These locomotives will revolutionize freight movement.”
– Vineet Abhishek, Chief PRO, Western Railway
Strategic Importance
- Reduces Import Dependence: Self-reliance in high-power locomotive production
- Logistics Growth: Supports India’s 3000 MT freight target by 2027
- Global Benchmark: Positions India as manufacturer of world’s most powerful engines
Visual Highlights
🖼️ First Look: PM Modi flagging off the inaugural 9,000 HP locomotive
🏗️ Facility Tour: State-of-the-art assembly lines at Dahod plant
What’s Next?
📈 Phase-2 Expansion: Potential capacity increase to 150 units/year
🌍 Export Plans: Targeting African & Asian markets
🔋 Tech Advancements: Future-ready designs for higher efficiency
Why This Matters?
🚂 Freight Revolution: Enables heavier, faster cargo movement
🏭 Industrial Growth: Creates manufacturing ecosystem in Gujarat
🇮🇳 Atmanirbhar Bharat: Cuts import needs for critical rail infrastructure
Project details sourced from Ministry of Railways. For inauguration footage, visit PIB YouTube. 🚆✨
