The locomotive engines manufactured in Marhaura, Bihar, are poised to operate on railway networks worldwide, signifying a pivotal moment for the state’s industrial capabilities. This marks the first time an engine built in Bihar will be exported internationally. This venture aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, supporting the ‘Make in Bihar – Make for the World’ principle, with the inaugural shipment headed for Guinea.
The Marhaura factory, a joint venture between Wabtec Inc. and Indian Railways, exemplifies a significant achievement for the ‘Make in Bihar’ program. Wabtec holds a 76% stake, and Indian Railways holds a 24% stake in the venture. Since its establishment in 2018, the unit has produced 729 high-performance diesel engines, encompassing 545 engines of 4500 HP and 184 engines of 6000 HP. Following a visit by Guinean ministers, a deal for 140 engines, valued at approximately 3000 crore, was finalized. The locomotives will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Spread over 226 acres, the unit is named KOMO. As exports increase, the factory is focused on expanding its production capacity. The facility aims to become a global locomotive manufacturing hub, significantly boosting its output. Roughly 40-50% of the components are sourced from various Indian states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Jamshedpur, while certain specialized engine parts are procured from the United States.
According to railway information, the export targets are set at 37 locomotives for the current fiscal year, 82 for the subsequent year, and 31 for the third year. All these locomotives will be equipped with AC cabs. Each locomotive will feature a single cab, and two locomotives working together can pull the weight of 100 wagons at the maximum allowable speed. The Marhaura factory in Bihar directly employs 285 individuals and indirectly supports 1215 jobs. Furthermore, the joint venture employs over 2100 people across the country for various services and related tasks.