Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has reached a major milestone by delivering its 500th electric locomotive to Indian Railways. The WAG-12B Prima T8 locomotive was flagged off from Alstom’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Madhepura, Bihar, marking a significant step in India’s railway modernisation.
Transforming Freight Transportation
As part of a ₹3.5 billion contract, Alstom is supplying 800 high-powered, double-section Prima T8 locomotives, each with 12,000 HP (9 MW) capacity. These locomotives can haul 6,000-tonne freight rakes at speeds of up to 120 km/h, significantly improving cargo transport efficiency.
State-of-the-Art Maintenance and Localisation
To ensure the reliability and longevity of these locomotives, Alstom has established two advanced maintenance depots in Saharanpur and Nagpur. These depots use predictive technologies to minimise downtime and reduce maintenance costs. The project has also achieved 90% localisation, supporting India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Driving Economic Growth with Cutting-Edge Technology
Alstom’s Managing Director for India, Olivier Loison, emphasised the role of these locomotives in enhancing speed, efficiency, and freight transport reliability. This initiative strengthens India’s economic growth by facilitating smoother and faster cargo movement across the country.
Largest Foreign Direct Investment in Indian Railways
The Madhepura manufacturing facility, a joint venture between Alstom and Indian Railways, is the largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India’s railway sector. With a production capacity of 120 locomotives per year, the facility places India among an elite group of nations capable of producing high-horsepower locomotives domestically.
Boosting India’s Logistics and Supply Chain
The WAG-12B locomotives have already covered over 120 million kilometers, transporting essential commodities such as coal, cement, food grains, fertilizers, petrochemical products, minerals, and postal parcels across the nation.
Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future
With this milestone, Alstom continues to contribute to India’s push for sustainable, high-speed freight transport. The success of this project highlights India’s growing capabilities in advanced railway manufacturing and infrastructure development.
