Bihar-Made Locomotive Exported to Guinea under Make in India Initiative

Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first-ever diesel locomotive manufactured in Bihar for export to Guinea in West Africa. The event marks a significant milestone for India’s Make in India programme and the growing capacity of India’s railway manufacturing sector.

Key Highlights

• The locomotive was manufactured at the Marhowrah locomotive factory in Bihar, operated by Alstom India in partnership with Indian Railways.
• The locomotives are part of a ₹3,000 crore export order from Guinea and other African nations under bilateral cooperation.
• These diesel-electric locomotives meet international safety and emission standards, suitable for use in mining and freight operations in West Africa.
• The initiative strengthens India’s position in the global railway export market, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia.

Strategic Significance

• Promotes Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat in the heavy engineering and transport sector.
• Supports India’s economic diplomacy by enhancing trade and infrastructure partnerships with African nations.
• Demonstrates public-private partnership success, with Alstom and Indian Railways jointly contributing to the export effort.
• Reinforces industrial development in eastern India, particularly Bihar.

About the Marhowrah Plant

• Located in Saran district, Bihar.
• A part of the Joint Venture between Indian Railways and Alstom (earlier GE Transportation).
• Produces high-horsepower diesel locomotives used for both domestic and export purposes.

Relevance for UPSC

Prelims:

• Marhowrah factory location: Bihar
• Country receiving locomotives: Guinea
• Ministry involved: Ministry of Railways
• Scheme: Make in India

Mains (GS Paper 2 & 3):

• India-Africa relations and export diplomacy
• Infrastructure manufacturing under Make in India
• Regional economic development and industrialization
• Role of PPPs in boosting exports and technology transfer

Sample MCQ

Q. The locomotives recently flagged off by the Prime Minister for export to Guinea were manufactured in which of the following states?
A. Maharashtra
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Bihar
D. Gujarat

Answer: C

Explanation:
The locomotives were manufactured in Bihar at the Marhowrah factory as part of India’s export agreement with Guinea, Africa.