Alstom & Indian Railways Mark 10 Years, 550+ Locos for Freight Transformation

Alstom and Indian Railways Commemorate a Decade of Revolutionizing Freight Mobility with 550+ High-Powered Electric Locomotives

New Delhi, India – Alstom and Indian Railways have celebrated a significant milestone, marking ten years of transforming India’s freight mobility through their joint venture, Madhepura Electric Locomotive Private Limited (MELPL). This decade-long collaboration has delivered over 550 high-powered Prima T8 locomotives, fostered deep localization, spurred innovation, and created over 10,000 skilled jobs, reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in advanced rail manufacturing.

The decade-long partnership between Alstom and Indian Railways, embodied by Madhepura Electric Locomotive Private Limited (MELPL), has fundamentally reshaped India’s freight transportation landscape. This landmark initiative has seen the production and deployment of over 550 sophisticated Prima T8 locomotives, each boasting 12,000 HP (9 MW). These powerful electric locomotives are designed to haul approximately 6,000 tonnes, significantly enhancing the efficiency and capacity of Indian Railways’ freight operations. The project’s success is underscored by its deep commitment to localization, achieving over 85% domestic content and creating a robust local supply chain.

Strategic Impact and Localization Drive

The partnership, initiated with a substantial €3.5 billion contract awarded in 2015 for 800 fully electric double-section locomotives and a 13-year maintenance commitment, is a testament to Alstom’s alignment with India’s industrial ambitions. Designated WAG-12B by Indian Railways, these locomotives are manufactured at the integrated greenfield facility in Madhepura, Bihar. This facility, one of India’s largest, champions the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, positioning India as the sixth nation globally capable of indigenously producing such high-powered locomotives. Olivier Loison, Managing Director, Alstom India, highlighted the occasion as a moment of “immense pride,” emphasizing the transformative impact on freight movement and the creation of a “world-class industrial ecosystem.”

Operational Excellence and Workforce Development

The introduction of the WAG-12B locomotives has not only bolstered freight capacity but also driven advancements in operational efficiency and safety. The first e-loco entered commercial service in May 2020, receiving official certification to operate at a top speed of 120 km/h. Notably, these powerful machines have also been deployed for passenger services during peak festive seasons, demonstrating their versatility. To ensure high availability and minimize maintenance costs, Alstom has established ultramodern maintenance depots in Saharanpur and Nagpur. These depots leverage predictive technologies and Prompt Response Teams (PRT) equipped with critical spares. Furthermore, over 22,000 Indian Railways staff have received comprehensive training across Nagpur, Saharanpur, and Sabarmati, underscoring a significant investment in skill development.

Technical Specifications

• Locomotive Type: Prima T8 (WAG-12B by Indian Railways)
• Power Output: 12,000 HP (9 MW)
• Configuration: Double-section, eight-axle design
• Towing Capacity: Approximately 6,000 tonnes
• Maximum Speed: 120 km/h
• Propulsion Technology: Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT)
• Key Features: Regenerative braking, climate control, air conditioning, food preparation and storage facilities, spacious cabins.
• Operational Range: Extreme temperatures between -50 °C and 50 °C.

Socio-Economic Impact and Future Outlook

Beyond its industrial significance, the MELPL initiative has generated a substantial socio-economic impact, directly and indirectly creating over 10,000 jobs. The project extends its positive influence to communities surrounding the Madhepura and Saharanpur facilities, with active support for education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and skilling programs in 21 villages. Through partnerships with organizations like the American India Foundation, SEEDS Impact, and Learning Links Foundation, the initiative has touched over 30,000 lives. Alstom’s century-long commitment to India’s rail sector continues, with a focus on driving the green logistics revolution and solidifying India’s role as a global hub for world-class rail solutions.