Siemens delivers India’s first 9000 HP electric locomotive for long-haul freight trains

Approximately 90% of the technologies deployed in the locomotives are made in India and this would lead to 800 million tonne of CO2 emissions being saved over lifecycle, Siemens said.
| Photo Credit:
MIKE BLAKE

Siemens India has announced the delivery of India’s first 9000 HP electric locomotive, with critical components built at its Nashik, Aurangabad, and Mumbai facilities. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday flagged off the inaugural D9 – 9000 HP electric locomotive, one of the most powerful freight locomotives in the world, from Indian Railways’ advanced Dahod factory in Gujarat.

Approximately 90% of the technologies deployed in the locomotives are made in India and this would lead to 800 million tonne of CO2 emissions being saved over lifecycle, Siemens said.

Following the award to Siemens for the design, engineering, manufacturing and maintenance of 1,200 locomotives of 9000 horsepower (HP) electric locomotives, Siemens’ factories in Nashik, Aurangabad and Mumbai have been manufacturing critical components for this project, with final assembly, testing and commissioning performed at the Indian Railways’ factory in Dahod. 

Sunil Mathur, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Ltd., said, “We take great pride in partnering with Indian Railways in this prestigious project. Together, we have been able to construct a world-class factory and approximately 90% of the technologies are made in India for the 9000 HP electric locomotive.”

“The introduction of these advanced locomotives is crucial to realising the Government of India’s aspiration to elevate railway’s share in freight movement from 27% to around 45%. This is a commendable achievement for both Indian Railways and Siemens,” he said.

Each of the 1,200 locomotives of 9000 HP has a maximum speed of 120 km/h. The locomotives, which have a haulage capacity of 5800 tonne, are designed to transport freight efficiently across India’s vast rail network.

Siemens will also perform the maintenance for the entire lifespan of 35 years for these locomotives. The locomotives are equipped with Siemens’ Railigent X platform for predictive maintenance, ensuring highest availability and performance, the company said.

The advanced digital tracking systems, the Kavach safety system, and green propulsion technology, make these locomotives a beacon of modern rail transport, it added.