Alstom has launched the production at its greenfield electric locomotive manufacturing facility in India. Located at Madhepura, in the state of Bihar, it is Alstom’s first electric locomotive manufacturing facility in the country. This facility is part of a joint venture between Alstom (74%) and Indian Railways (26%). Spread across 250 acres, it currently employs 70 people, with plans to ramp it up at a rate of 25% every year till it reaches full capacity. The facility also aims to employ local youth, basis the required skill sets, to support socio-economic development of Madhepura.
At this factory, Alstom will produce the Prima T8 (WAG12) locomotive that is part of company’s Prima range of locomotives and has been specially adapted for Indian network. The first two car body shells have already arrived at Madhepura and will be soon fitted and assembled at the plant. The first locomotive will be ready for roll-out early next year. The first 5 locomotives by 2019 followed by 35 locomotives by 2020, 60 in 2021, and by 100 every year till the target of 800 is completed.
“The E-loco project is one of the most prestigious projects for Alstom worldwide and this feat, therefore, is a commendable achievement for the entire company. The facility is a multimillion euro investment by Alstom and is a proof of our commitment to infrastructure development in India,” Jean-Francois Beaudoin, Senior Vice President Asia Pacific at Alstom said.
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