Celebrating a Decade of Innovation: Alstom’s MELPL and India’s Most Powerful Freight Locomotives

Alstom Celebrates a Milestone in India’s Rail Industry

Alstom recently marked a big achievement: 10 years of working with Indian Railways through Madhepura Electric Locomotive Private Limited (MELPL). Together, they’ve built over 550 powerful electric locomotives for freight, right at the heart of India’s transport network. This celebration took place at a modern maintenance depot in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

In 2015, Indian Railways awarded a major contract worth €3.5 billion to Alstom. The goal? To deliver 800 electric locomotives that can haul about 6,000 tonnes. These locomotives, known as the WAG-12B, are produced in Madhepura, Bihar. This venture fits perfectly with India’s “Make in India” initiative. Impressively, over 85% of their components are sourced locally, making India one of just six countries capable of building such powerful locomotives.

Olivier Loison, Managing Director of Alstom India, expressed pride in this partnership. He highlighted how it has revolutionized freight movement in India and fostered local talent. Over the past decade, this project has not only created an ecosystem for manufacturing but also generated over 10,000 skilled jobs, which is a significant boost to the local economy.

The first electric locomotive was introduced into service in May 2020, and by October, it achieved a certification to operate at speeds up to 120 km/h. This year, these locomotives were even used for passenger transport during peak seasons to meet rising demand.

To enhance maintenance and reduce costs, Alstom established two high-tech maintenance depots. Located in Saharanpur and Nagpur, these facilities use advanced technologies and have trained over 22,000 Indian Railways staff.

The manufacturing site in Madhepura is remarkable in its own right. Spread over 250 acres, it has a production capacity of 120 locomotives per year and meets global safety standards. The technology used in the WAG-12B includes regenerative braking, which lowers energy consumption. This model also promises reduced heat and noise levels during transit.

Designed for efficiency, the locomotives feature an eight-axle design that enhances performance, even in extreme weather from -50°C to 50°C. They come equipped with modern amenities like climate control, food preparation areas, and spacious cabins for operators.

Beyond freight logistics, Alstom’s partnership with Indian Railways has a broader social impact. The initiative has created jobs and invested in the upliftment of 21 local villages. Through collaborations with organizations like the American India Foundation, they have positively impacted the lives of over 30,000 people in areas such as education and healthcare.

Alstom’s history in India spans over a century. As a leader in sustainable mobility, they continue to innovate and adapt, driving India’s rail revolution forward.

For more detailed insights into Alstom’s impact on India’s transport sector, you can visit trusted sources like the Indian Railways or Alstom’s official site.

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