Varanasi: Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) has once again reinforced India’s growing stature in global railway engineering, underlining the country’s transition from “Make in India” to “Make for the World.” The sixth unit of the indigenously manufactured 3300 HP AC–AC diesel-electric locomotive was successfully dispatched to Mozambique on December 15, marking another milestone in India’s locomotive export journey.
BLW has secured an order to manufacture and export a total of 10 such locomotives for Mozambique, with supplies being executed through the Government of India’s public sector enterprise RITES. Earlier consignments included two locomotives shipped in June 2025, followed by deliveries in September, October and December 12, before the latest dispatch.
Designed to meet international standards, these state-of-the-art locomotives are built for Cape Gauge (1067 mm) and are capable of operating at speeds of up to 100 kmph. Special emphasis has been placed on driver comfort and operational efficiency. The cabins are equipped with modern amenities such as ergonomic seating, advanced control systems, refrigerators, hot plates and mobile holders, ensuring safety, comfort and productivity during long-haul operations.
Operating under Indian Railways, BLW has evolved beyond catering to domestic requirements and has emerged as a key global export hub for locomotives. Since 2014, the Varanasi-based manufacturing unit has exported locomotives to countries including Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Mozambique, significantly contributing to the strengthening of railway infrastructure in partner nations.
Aligned with the vision of “Make in India” and “Make for the World,” the project demonstrates Indian Railways’ capability to design, manufacture and export rolling stock compatible with multiple international gauge systems. Through such exports, India is not only supporting railway development abroad but also establishing itself as a reliable global supplier of railway equipment.
Indian railway technology has already reached several countries across Europe, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. Nations such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy have imported metro coaches, bogies, passenger coaches and locomotives from India, while African and Asia-Pacific countries including Mozambique, Guinea, South Africa, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada and Mexico continue to benefit from Indian engineering expertise.
BLW’s continued success in locomotive exports stands as a strong testament to India’s technological self-reliance, industrial capability and expanding global influence, with Kashi’s factory powering rail networks far beyond national borders.
