photo: Siemens Mobility/Siemens Mobility for Indian Railways
India’s rail freight just hit a new gear. With Prime Minister Modi flagging off the D9 – 9000 HP electric locomotive, the country enters a bold new era of high-power, low-emission logistics—built with Siemens, engineered for exports, and ready to transform freight movement at scale.
India has launched its most powerful single-unit electric locomotive to date, the D9 – 9000 HP engine, setting a new benchmark in the nation’s rail freight capabilities. The locomotive, designed by Siemens Mobility and manufactured at Indian Railways' factory in Dahod, Gujarat, was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking what he described as a "milestone for self-reliance and modern infrastructure."
According to Siemens Mobility, the D9 project involves 1,200 high-powered electric freight locomotives, with production spread across facilities in Nashik, Aurangabad, Mumbai, and final assembly in Dahod. The Rs 21,405 crore project was completed in a record time of 37 months. The Dahod plant itself is a state-of-the-art facility that incorporates Virtual Reality training systems, locomotive simulators, and green manufacturing processes.
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D9 – 9000 HP's Technical Capabilities to Revolutionise Freight
As reported by the Ministry of Railways, the D9 locomotive is the most powerful single-unit electric engine developed for Indian Railways. While 12,000 HP locomotives exist, they are typically created by coupling two 6000 HP units. In contrast, the 9000 HP locomotive offers a unified power solution, capable of pulling freight loads of up to 5,800 tons at 120 km/h.
"This is going to be a big boon in bringing down logistics cost and help decongest the saturated tracks," a senior official told the Times of India. The increased haulage capacity means fewer locomotives are needed for the same amount of goods, improving turnaround times, reducing congestion, and cutting operating costs. Additionally, the engine is compatible with India's Kavach collision avoidance system, features a regenerative braking system, and is powered by Siemens' Railigent X platform for predictive maintenance.
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Green Manufacturing and Export Potential
The government has also emphasised the environmental and global significance of the D9 project. According to the Ministry of Railways, around 89% of the locomotive’s components are made in India, aligning with the nation’s Make in India and Make for World visions. Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, noted that the locomotives could replace up to 800,000 trucks, potentially saving over 800 million tons of CO₂ emissions over their lifecycle.
The Dahod facility has earned a Green Manufacturing tag, thanks to its use of renewable energy. Its dual capability to produce both Broad Gauge (for India) and Standard Gauge (for export) strengthens India’s position in the global rail supply market. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw pointedout India's export success, citing recent deliveries of Metro coaches to Australia and train coaches to England, France, and Saudi Arabia. He added, "This locomotive is not just for India. It will soon run in other parts of the world as well."
Socio-Economic Impact and Long-Term Goals
Beyond technology, the project has major social and economic implications. The government reports that 85% of jobs at the Dahod facility have gone to local youth, bolstering regional employment and skill development. The locomotives will also support India’s freight modal shift, helping the country increase the share of rail cargo transport while reducing reliance on road logistics.
India’s railway network is among the busiest in the world, and congestion on high-density freight corridors remains a persistent challenge. With the rollout of the 9000 HP locomotives, Indian Railways can better manage capacity, reduce manpower requirements, and significantly improve energy efficiency. As Siemens Mobility pointed out, "Together with Indian Rail, we are setting new standards in rail efficiency and environmental sustainability."
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The Dahod facility will deliver 1,200 locomotives over the next 11 years, maintaining them over their 35-year operational lifespan. Equipped with smart diagnostics, green propulsion technology, and designed for high-frequency freight routes, the D9 locomotive marks a major step forward for India’s industrial, environmental, and logistical aspirations.
Sources: Siemens Mobility; Times of India; Business Standard; Rail Analysis