Today in Politics: PM Modi to begin Gujarat visit, inaugurate country’s first 9,000 HP locomotive engine
Modi Gujarat Visit: PM Modi Inaugurates India’s First 9,000 HP Electric Locomotive
Dahod, Gujarat | May 26, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his much-anticipated Gujarat visit with a landmark event: the inauguration of India’s first 9,000-horsepower (HP) electric freight locomotive at the Dahod manufacturing facility. This moment marks a significant milestone in the nation’s quest to modernize its railway infrastructure, strengthen freight logistics, and accelerate its transition toward sustainable transportation.
A Giant Leap for Indian Railways
The locomotive, designated as the WAG D-9, emerges from a collaboration between Indian Railways and Siemens, brought to life under the government’s flagship ‘Make in India’ initiative. The locomotive exemplifies the country’s growing prowess in advanced engineering and manufacturing technology. Boasting an impressive 9,000 HP, the WAG D-9 can haul freight trains weighing up to 4,500 tonnes at speeds reaching 120 kilometers per hour (km/h). This capability translates into faster, more efficient freight movement on some of India’s busiest routes, boosting overall supply chain efficiency.
Equipped with state-of-the-art features such as AI-powered diagnostic systems, GPS tracking, and the indigenous Kavach automatic train protection system, the locomotive enhances operational safety, predictive maintenance, and reliability. The Kavach system itself represents a vital safety upgrade designed to prevent collisions and signal passing errors, ensuring passenger and freight safety across the network.
Boosting Local Economy and Employment
The inauguration of this locomotive engine also represents a significant economic opportunity for Gujarat and India at large. The Dahod manufacturing plant plans to produce a total of 1,200 locomotives over the next 11 years, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the region. The project will directly employ around 3,500 workers and generate approximately 7,000 indirect jobs through supply chains and ancillary industries, boosting the local economy substantially.
During his speech, PM Modi emphasized how this development embodies the spirit of the Modi Gujarat model—an approach focused on fostering industrial growth, innovation, and employment generation to fuel India’s rise as a global economic powerhouse.
Aligning with India’s Sustainability Goals
The introduction of the WAG D-9 aligns closely with India’s broader environmental and sustainability objectives. The government has set an ambitious target to achieve 100% railway electrification, aiming to reduce reliance on diesel locomotives and cut down carbon emissions from freight transport. Shifting freight movement to electric power not only lowers operating costs but also contributes to India’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and other climate initiatives.
Moreover, the regenerative braking system on the WAG D-9 allows it to recover and reuse energy during operations, improving energy efficiency further. Such technological advances position Indian Railways to become a leader in green transportation.
Paving the Way for Global Leadership
The success of the WAG D-9 project positions India to become a global exporter of high-powered electric locomotives. With a growing domestic manufacturing base, enhanced engineering capabilities, and a robust railway network, India can leverage these strengths to enter international markets, especially in developing countries seeking modern and cost-effective rail solutions.
The partnership between Indian Railways and Siemens, which includes a 35-year maintenance agreement, ensures not only the production but also the sustained operational excellence of these locomotives, setting a benchmark in long-term infrastructure planning and technology transfer.
https://indianrailways.gov.inBroader Context of the Modi Gujarat Visit
PM Modi’s Gujarat visit is more than just this inauguration. It includes inspections of other critical infrastructure projects and engagements aimed at reinforcing Gujarat’s role as a key driver of India’s economic and industrial growth. Gujarat’s dynamic industrial ecosystem, progressive governance, and strategic location make it a natural hub for manufacturing and innovation.
By showcasing the WAG D-9 locomotive launch within Gujarat, the government underlines its commitment to regional development and the expansion of high-tech manufacturing beyond traditional metropolitan centers.
Conclusion
The launch of India’s first 9,000 HP electric locomotive signals a transformative moment in Indian Railways’ journey towards modernization, sustainability, and global competitiveness. Prime Minister Modi’s inauguration of this cutting-edge locomotive during his Gujarat visit highlights the government’s focus on technological innovation, job creation, and green growth under the broader Modi Gujarat vision.
As Indian Railways continues to electrify and upgrade its freight capabilities, projects like the WAG D-9 not only boost domestic logistics but also set the stage for India to become a key player in the global railway manufacturing sector. This milestone aligns with the country’s aspirations for economic growth, environmental responsibility, and international collaboration.
