photo: Alstom / Public domain/500th electric locomotive for Indian Railways
Alstom has delivered its 500th electric locomotive to Indian Railways, marking a key milestone in India’s rail freight modernisation. Fully made in India, the WAG12B supports the nation’s push for sustainable, high-speed freight transport.
Alstom Reaches 500-Locomotive Milestone for Indian Railways
The 500th fully India-made Prima T8 WAG12B e-locomotive was flagged off from Alstom’s world-class facility in Madhepura, Bihar, with dignitaries including Mr. Manish Kumar from Indian Railways and senior Alstom officials marking the occasion. According to the press release from Alstom, as part of a €3.5 billion contract, the company is supplying 800 high-powered, double-section Prima T8 locomotives, each with 12,000 HP (9 MW) capacity. Designed for freight, they can haul ~6,000 tonnes at a top speed of 120 kph. Alstom has also set up modern depots in Saharanpur and Nagpur using predictive maintenance technologies.
Alstom’s Commitment to Speed, Efficiency, and Growth
Olivier Loison, Alstom India MD, stated that WAG 12B locomotives are fully manufactured in India and deliver enhanced speed and reliability, helping to modernise freight logistics and accelerate India’s economic growth. The locomotives are being built at one of India’s largest integrated greenfield manufacturing facilities in Madhepura, through a Joint Venture with Indian Railways. It’s the largest FDI project in the Indian railway sector, with the facility achieving around 90% localisation.
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Supporting the Make in India mission, the project uses over 85% locally sourced components, placing India among the few countries producing high-horsepower locomotives. These e-locos have already moved goods over 120 million kilometres, including coal, cement, food grains, and parcels. Featuring IGBT-based propulsion technology, the locomotives offer significant energy savings via regenerative braking. This reduces heat generation and traction noise, leading to lower operational costs and easing congestion across India’s rail network.
Alstom has supported India’s mobility growth for over 100 years and remains a strategic partner in transforming freight and passenger rail. Its localised portfolio ranges from cost-efficient platforms to advanced transport technologies.
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Source: Alstom Press Release