Locomotive Deliveries to Africa Will Begin in 2025

Wabtec and Indian Railways announced that locomotive deliveries to Africa will begin in 2025, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

locomotive deliveries to Africa
Photo: Jayasankar Madhavadas/trainspo

The locomotives will be produced at a joint facility located in Marhaura, India. This production site is already manufacturing ES43ACmi locomotives designed for African railways.

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Although the specific countries receiving these locomotives have not yet been named, interest from African nations is growing. For instance, Guinea placed an order for several units earlier in 2024, indicating the region’s demand for advanced rail equipment.

The ES43ACmi locomotive, boasting 3.3 MW of power, is built to endure challenging environments. Featuring dual cabins and six axles, these units are perfect for regions where railway infrastructure is still developing. The Marhaura factory, launched in 2018 under the “Make in India” initiative, has already produced over 650 locomotives for Indian Railways. With an annual production capacity of 100 units, the facility is equipped to provide steady locomotive deliveries to Africa.

Growing Demand for ES43ACmi Locomotives in the African Market

Locomotive deliveries to Africa represent a major opportunity for both Wabtec and Indian Railways. The ES43ACmi model is known for its reliability and robust design, making it highly desirable for African rail networks. As the African railway equipment market expands, these locomotives are poised to play a key role in the region’s growth. Local railway companies are actively seeking durable, high-performance machinery that can handle harsh conditions, and the ES43ACmi meets these expectations.

Indian manufacturing, with over 70% localization, benefits from government support, making it a strong player in global markets. The Marhaura plant enables Wabtec and Indian Railways to meet domestic needs while pursuing international opportunities. The locomotive deliveries to Africa will mark a significant step in both companies’ global expansion strategies.

These deliveries will not only help advance Africa’s transportation infrastructure but will also strengthen Wabtec and Indian Railways’ position as global leaders in the railway sector.

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