PM Modi to visit Gujarat, dedicate nation's first 9000 HP Locomotive Engine at Dahod

IANS May 23, 2025 498 views

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Gujarat and inaugurate a groundbreaking locomotive manufacturing facility in Dahod. The facility represents a significant leap in India's indigenous rail manufacturing capabilities, with plans to produce 1,200 high-power engines over the next decade. These advanced 9000 HP locomotives feature cutting-edge technologies like collision avoidance systems and driver amenities. The project is expected to create substantial employment opportunities and boost the local economy through strategic public-private partnerships.

"Each locomotive will carry the label 'Manufactured by Dahod'" - Official Statement
PM Modi to visit Gujarat, dedicate nation's first 9000 HP Locomotive Engine at Dahod
Gandhinagar, May 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to his home state, Gujarat, beginning May 26, during which he will dedicate the nation's first 9,000 HP Locomotive Engine at Dahod.

Key Points

1

First 9000 HP electric locomotive developed through PPP model

2

Facility aims to produce 1,200 engines over next decade

3

Project expected to generate 10,000 direct and indirect jobs

4

Advanced engines with safety and driver comfort features

During the two-day visit, PM Modi is scheduled to participate in key public programmes in Gandhinagar, Kutch, and Dahod districts.

One of the major highlights of the visit will be the inauguration of India's first high-power locomotive engine manufactured in Dahod, a landmark project developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with an estimated cost of Rs 20,000 crore.

The 9000 HP, 6-axle electric engine will have an average speed of 75 km per hour, and its maintenance will be carried out at depots in Kharagpur (West Bengal), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Raipur (Chhattisgarh), and Pune (Maharashtra), an official statement said.

After a public rally on Mirzapar Road in Bhuj, PM Modi will also offer prayers at the revered Mata Ashapura Temple at 'Mata no Madh'.

At the Dahod rail production unit, PM Modi will unveil the first 9,000 horsepower locomotive engine, setting the stage for India's next leap in indigenous rail manufacturing.

Over the next decade, the facility is expected to produce 1,200 such engines, with plans to export them globally under the 'Make in India' initiative.

Each locomotive will carry the label 'Manufactured by Dahod', symbolising the town's emergence as a national hub for heavy rail engineering. These engines are capable of carrying up to 4,600 tonnes of cargo, and, for the first time in Indian rail history, are equipped with air-conditioning and toilet facilities for drivers.

The locomotives will also feature pre-installed collision avoidance systems, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Currently, four engines are in the final stages of production at the Dahod facility.

Officials estimate that the Dahod manufacturing unit will directly and indirectly generate employment for over 10,000 people in the region.

The project is expected to significantly boost the local economy, creating opportunities in power supply, mechanical engineering, and infrastructure services. The plant was awarded to a multinational firm, which emerged as the lowest bidder in the PPP tendering process.

Earlier this month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Gujarat and inaugurated key development projects.

During his visit, Home Minister Shah laid the foundation stones and inaugurated multiple schemes related to urban development, health, and security in cities like Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is fantastic news for Indian railways! 9000 HP engines made in India will transform freight movement. Hope this leads to faster goods trains and reduces logistics costs. The employment generation in Dahod is the cherry on top 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
AC and toilet facilities for drivers is long overdue! Our railway staff work in tough conditions - these small improvements matter a lot. Hope the collision avoidance system works effectively to prevent accidents.
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Amit S.
While I appreciate the Make in India initiative, I hope proper quality checks are maintained. We've seen foreign collaborations fail before (remember the Spanish train fiasco?). The ₹20,000 crore investment must show results.
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Sunita R.
As someone from Gujarat, I'm proud to see Dahod becoming a manufacturing hub! My brother got a job at this plant last year. This project is changing lives in our region. Jai Gujarat! 🙏
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Vikram J.
Good initiative but hope the government focuses equally on passenger trains. Our trains still lack basic cleanliness and punctuality. When will we see similar innovation for regular commuters?
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Neha P.
The export potential is exciting! If we can manufacture world-class locomotives, it will boost India's engineering reputation globally. Just hope the pricing remains competitive against Chinese manufacturers.

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Tags:
Narendra Modi Gujarat Indian Railways Make in India Locomotive Manufacturing Dahod Infrastructure Development