Wabtec celebrated the delivery of the 500th Evolution Series locomotive to Indian Railways (IR) on February 20, 2023 at its plant in Marhowra, Bihar.
The diesel-electric Evolution Series locomotive has a 4,500 horsepower and is fuel-efficient, emission-compliant vehicle. These locomotives are digitally enabled and use cutting-edge technology to deliver fuel efficiency and ensure compliance to international emission standard UIC. The locomotives’ cabs feature ergonomic comforts for the pilots in terms of air conditioning, seats, noise reduction, heated wind screens, urinals, and digital displays.
The locomotive delivery is part of a USD 2.5 billion agreement signed with the Government of India under the ‘Make In India’ initiative to supply a 1,000 Evolution Series locomotive fleet. To date, Wabtec delivered 438 of those models and 62 of the 6000-horsepower, single-cab locomotives to Indian Railways.
“This achievement is a major step in Wabtec’s growth as the leading rail industry supplier in this country and demonstrates the commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. It also is a tribute to the dedication of our team in India, as well as the support from the community, government, suppliers, and other Wabtec sites around the world. Their efforts are positioning the company and our customers for success in the region for years to come,” Sujatha Narayan, Senior Vice President and India Region Leader said.
Indian Railways is using the locomotives extensively for heavy-haul and container operations across the country. The fleet is demonstrating high levels of availability and reliability, which is enabling significant growth in freight revenue.
“The successful and timely execution of Marhowra project is a major milestone in the success of the public private partnership,” said Sandeep Selot, Managing Director of Wabtec Locomotives Private Limited.
The state-of-art manufacturing plant in Marhowra started operations in 2018. It leverages global lean manufacturing processes and has the capacity to deliver 120 locomotives per year. The plant also set a new benchmark in having a diverse and talented workforce from Bihar and Jharkhand.
Additionally, Wabtec’s outreach programmes in and around the Marhowra factory have fueled vocational training and educational equity enabling community development in the region. The programs have prepared and supported over 600 female entrepreneurs. It also trained engineers from the local polytechnic with smart welding skills needed to secure employment.
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