Siemens hands over first set of 9000 HP e-locomotives to Indian Railways for commercial operations

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a major boost to India’s freight transportation capabilities, Indian Railways has commenced commercial operations of its next-generation 9,000 horsepower (HP) electric freight locomotives, marking a significant milestone in the country’s rail modernisation journey. The high-powered locomotives, among the most advanced in the world, are designed to transform heavy-haul freight movement with enhanced efficiency, speed, and sustainability.

Developed under a long-term partnership with Siemens, the D9 class electric locomotives are capable of hauling heavier loads at speeds of up to 120 km/h, making them one of the most powerful freight locomotives currently in operation globally. Notably, the project has achieved one of the fastest execution timelines in the Indian rail sector, with locomotives entering commercial service within just 36 months from the contract date.

Global Standards and Indigenous Manufacturing

In a first for Indian Railways, the D9 locomotives have been successfully assessed and certified as per the European Standard EN 14363, highlighting their compliance with global benchmarks for safety, performance, and ride dynamics. This certification reinforces India’s growing capability to design and deploy world-class rolling stock aligned with international standards.

The locomotives are being manufactured at the Dahod facility in Gujarat, significantly contributing to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Around 90% of the technology used in these locomotives has been locally sourced, strengthening the domestic manufacturing ecosystem and fostering capability development across Indian suppliers and skilled workforce.

Lifecycle Model and Nationwide Maintenance Network

The project is structured under an availability-based lifecycle partnership model, covering design, manufacturing, commissioning, and 35 years of full-service maintenance. This approach ensures high reliability, optimal performance, and long-term asset efficiency across the locomotive fleet.

As part of this initiative, Indian Railways has also inaugurated its first dedicated maintenance depot in Visakhapatnam. This facility marks the beginning of a nationwide network of four depots, with additional locations planned in Raipur, Kharagpur, and Pune. The distributed maintenance infrastructure is expected to ensure high fleet availability and streamlined operations across key freight corridors.

Sunil Mathur, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Limited, said, “This is a proud moment for Siemens as a long-standing and trusted partner of Indian Railways. The successful handover of the electric locomotives sets a new benchmark in rail modernization, enabled by a pioneering partnership and a robust lifecycle business model. It reflects the strength of collaboration between Indian Railways and Siemens and stands as a testament to the manufacturing and engineering excellence of the people who made this achievement possible, embodying the spirit of ‘Viksit Bharat’.”

“The induction of 9,000 HP electric freight locomotives represents a transformative step in strengthening India’s logistics backbone. High-capacity, energy-efficient locomotives are essential for improving freight efficiency, reducing transit times, and supporting sustainable transport goals. Achieving global certification alongside strong localisation further underscores India’s emergence as a leader in advanced rail manufacturing,” commented Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group.

Digital Intelligence and Sustainability Focus

Equipped with advanced digital systems, including Siemens’ Railigent X platform, the locomotives enable predictive maintenance and real-time performance monitoring. These intelligent features are expected to minimise downtime, optimise energy consumption, and enhance operational reliability.

The locomotives also integrate modern safety and monitoring technologies, making them well-suited for India’s high-density freight network. Over their lifecycle, they are expected to contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions and improving overall logistics efficiency.

Driving India’s Freight Transformation

The introduction of these high-powered electric locomotives aligns with Indian Railways’ broader vision of increasing freight share, improving network capacity, and transitioning towards greener operations. As freight demand continues to grow, such advanced rolling stock will play a crucial role in enabling faster, more efficient, and sustainable cargo movement across the country.

With global-standard certification, rapid execution, and strong domestic manufacturing content, the D9 locomotive project sets a new benchmark for rail infrastructure development in India, reinforcing the sector’s role in driving economic growth and industrial progress.