India’s growing stature as a global railway equipment supplier was reinforced as Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) dispatched its sixth diesel-electric locomotive to Mozambique, marking another milestone in the country’s expanding rail export journey. The export reflects increasing international confidence in India’s locomotive design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities.
The locomotive is a 3,300 horsepower AC-AC diesel-electric unit, developed to operate on Cape Gauge (1,067 mm) tracks commonly used across parts of Africa. Designed for robust performance and operational reliability, the locomotive is capable of achieving speeds of up to 100 kmph, making it suitable for both freight and mixed-traffic operations under challenging conditions.
This export is part of an ongoing contract for the supply of 10 locomotives to Mozambique Railways, being executed through RITES Ltd. With six units now dispatched, the project is progressing steadily, strengthening bilateral cooperation in railway infrastructure and technology transfer.
Manufactured at BLW’s facility in Varanasi, the locomotive incorporates modern features aimed at improving crew comfort and operational efficiency. These include an ergonomically designed driver cabin, improved safety systems, and onboard amenities aligned with international standards. The design reflects BLW’s focus on combining performance, durability, and operator-centric engineering.
Over the years, BLW has emerged as a key contributor to India’s rail exports, having supplied locomotives and rail equipment to several countries across Asia and Africa. The Mozambique order further underscores the success of India’s Make in India and Make for the World initiatives, positioning the country as a competitive supplier of high-value railway assets.
Industry observers note that such exports not only enhance India’s global rail footprint but also demonstrate the ability of domestic manufacturing units to meet diverse technical specifications and international operational requirements. As demand for reliable and cost-effective rail solutions grows globally, Indian manufacturers like BLW are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting infrastructure development worldwide.