Today in Politics: PM Modi to begin Gujarat visit, inaugurate country’s first 9,000 HP locomotive engine
Dahod’s Transformation: From Repair Yard to Manufacturing Powerhouse
The government invested over ₹20,000 crore to upgrade the century-old Dahod workshop, originally set up in 1926 to service steam locomotives. Now, the revamped facility will produce 1,200 high-power electric locomotives over the next ten years.
This project transforms Dahod from a maintenance depot into a key manufacturing center for Indian Railways. The modern facility aims to meet both national needs and international demand for advanced railway engines.
Cutting-Edge Technology: What Sets This Locomotive Apart
The 9,000 HP electric locomotive can haul 4,500 tonnes of cargo at speeds up to 120 km/h. Engineers equipped the locomotive with the ‘Kavach’ automatic train protection system to enhance safety and minimize the risk of collisions.
Manufacturers also prioritized environmental sustainability. They built the locomotive using green energy and awarded it a ‘green manufacturing’ label—demonstrating a shift toward cleaner, more responsible production in heavy industry.
Boosting Jobs and Local Economy
The project is expected to create around 10,000 jobs, directly and indirectly. It offers training, skill development, and employment opportunities to local youth, especially in this tribal-dominated region.
During the inauguration, PM Modi described the project as the fulfillment of a long-held dream to bring industrial growth and prosperity to Dahod. He expressed optimism that this development would uplift the entire region through economic empowerment.
Strategic Benefits for Indian Railways
Dahod’s location on the busy Delhi-Mumbai corridor gives the plant strategic importance. By adding high-powered locomotives to the network, Indian Railways aims to boost freight capacity, reduce congestion, and speed up cargo delivery.
The Railway Ministry plans to raise the freight transport share from 27% to 40–45%. Achieving this target could lower logistics costs, reduce carbon emissions, and support India’s economic expansion by improving the efficiency of supply chains.
Long-Term Vision: Strengthening National Infrastructure
This initiative goes beyond railway technology. It signals India’s commitment to industrial innovation, regional development, and green growth. Dahod’s transformation into a locomotive production hub reflects what targeted public investment and visionary policy can achieve.
By building world-class capabilities in rail manufacturing, India positions itself as a serious player in global transportation technology. This plant may also open doors for exports, giving Indian engineering firms a platform to compete internationally.
Conclusion
PM Modi’s inauguration of the 9,000 HP locomotive in Dahod marks a defining moment for Indian Railways and the broader ‘Make in India’ mission. The locomotive’s advanced features, green credentials, and the economic promise of the plant make this a win on multiple fronts—technological, environmental, and social.
Dahod now stands as a symbol of what modern India can achieve when ambition meets execution. The project offers a glimpse into a future where India not only meets its own infrastructure needs but leads in developing world-class solutions for global markets.
