New Delhi, June 27 (UNI) In a significant boost to India’s ‘Make in India – Make for the World’ initiative, Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), a key production unit of Indian Railways based in Varanasi, is set to export ten 3300 HP Cape Gauge diesel-electric locomotives to Mozambique.
In fact, of these, two units have already been delivered, with the remaining eight scheduled for dispatch by this year-end, said Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Railway Board. “We are not only meeting domestic demand but are also actively catering to international markets,” Kumar told reporters here about this valued export order.
Manufactured at BLW’s Varanasi facility, these Cape Gauge locomotives are designed to operate on 1067 mm gauge tracks, commonly used in Africa and Japan.
“Capable of achieving a maximum speed of 100 kmph, the locomotives are equipped with modern driver-centric features such as air-conditioned cabs, refrigerators, mobile holders, and toilet facilities—aligning with global standards of crew comfort and workplace design,” explained the official.
The contract was awarded by Mozambique Railways (CFM) through RITES, a government's PSU. This is not the first time that the Mozambique has sought these locomotives. In fact, the present order follows the successful supply of six 3000 HP diesel locomotives to Mozambique between 2021 and 2023, which are currently in operation.
The Railway officials view this deal as a testament to India’s growing technical capabilities and international reputation in rail manufacturing. “This achievement further strengthens India’s global engineering footprint, self-reliance, and export potential,” Kumar added.
Since its inception in 1956, BLW has produced over 10,000 locomotives for Indian Railways as well as for steel plants, ports, mines, and export purposes. Its first international delivery was to Tanzania in 1976. Since then there has been no looking back. The unit has supplied locomotives to countries including Vietnam, Mali, Senegal, Angola, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Sudan, besides Mozambique.
BLW General Manager Naresh Pal Singh attributed the unit’s achievements to the dedication and professionalism of his workforce.
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