India has taken a significant step towards rail transport, introducing its first electric locomotive, manufactured by Siemens Mobility. The introduction of the EF-9K locomotive spearheads a project that will significantly increase India’s freight transport capacity. The agreement between Siemens Mobility and Indian Railways, signed in 2023, is worth $3,2 billion and includes the delivery of 1200 freight locomotives.
Siemens Mobility's Role in India
Siemens Mobility aims to increase efficiency in the country’s railway sector with the electric locomotives it produces for the Indian Railways. The EF-9K model locomotive can produce 6.6 megawatts of power and carry trains weighing 75 tons at a speed of 4500 kilometers per hour. These powerful machines will enable the Indian Railways to carry more freight in less time, increasing the operational efficiency of the railway.
Production and Local Contributions in Dahod
The production of EF-9K locomotives takes place in a former railway depot in Dahod, India. Although this production facility was built nearly a century ago, Siemens is modernizing the facility by increasing its capacity to produce new machines. Production in Dahod creates approximately 10.000 new jobs, which provides direct employment for local people.
Testing and Mass Production Process
Siemens will initiate a comprehensive testing process to ensure that the EF-9K locomotives meet all engineering standards. After successful testing, the locomotives will be put into mass production. This process will provide Indian Railways with more efficient and powerful machines, improving speed and reliability in freight transport.
Make in India and Economic Contribution
Siemens is developing local assembly processes using its manufacturing facility in Dahod, in line with India’s “Make in India” programme. This will not only strengthen the collaboration between Siemens and Indian Railways, but will also contribute significantly to the local economy. Local manufacturing helps India grow economically and create jobs, while also contributing to higher technological levels.
India's Modernization Goal in Transport Sector
The collaboration with Siemens is an important step towards completely modernizing India’s transportation system. The new locomotives will increase operational efficiency on the railway, contributing to the improvement of the country’s logistics infrastructure. The partnership between Siemens and Indian Railways will drive innovation in rail transport and accelerate the pace of India’s railways reaching global standards.
Future Prospects
Siemens Mobility’s investment in India is strengthened not only by new locomotives but also by advanced engineering solutions. With this project, India aims to achieve a stronger position in the global transportation sector by achieving higher capacities and more reliable and efficient operations in rail transportation.
Siemens Mobility's new electric locomotives for Indian Railways will not only strengthen rail transport, but also increase local employment and contribute to modernising India's transport infrastructure.
