Alstom in Talks with Indian Railways for 200 More Locomotives from Madhepura

Alstom is in talks with Indian Railways over a follow-on order for 200 electric freight locomotives from its Madhepura plant in Bihar, as the original 800-unit contract approaches completion.

Vivek Garg, managing director of Madhepura Electric Locomotive Private Limited (MELPL) — the joint venture between Alstom and Indian Railways set up in 2015 — told PTI that around 650 of the 800 twin-section WAG-12 locomotives have been delivered, with the balance due by March 2028. The original contract contains an option allowing Indian Railways to order a further 200 machines.

No decision has been taken. Garg said discussions remain open about how best to use the Madhepura facility, which under the contract terms can build any railway-related product, not just locomotives. The plant already turns out other rail components alongside the locomotive line.

The 12,000 hp WAG-12 is among the most powerful freight locomotives in service anywhere, built to haul heavier trains at higher speeds on India's congested freight corridors. Alstom says the joint venture supports around Rs 60,000 crore of economic output.

For suppliers, the open question is whether Madhepura keeps building past 2028. A 200-unit follow-on would extend the line by years; without one, India's largest dedicated electric locomotive plant would need a new product to stay busy.