Indian Railways Plans To Export Refurbished Diesel Locomotives Amid Electrification Push

As Indian Railways accelerates its electrification drive across its expansive network, the organisation is finding innovative ways to repurpose its soon-to-be-redundant diesel locomotives, transforming them into valuable export assets.

State-owned Railway PSU RITES, in collaboration with the Railway Ministry's design team, is overhauling diesel locomotives that have 15-20 years of operational life remaining to meet export requirements for African nations.

RITES has already secured two export contracts for repurposed locomotives from mineral and steel plants in South Africa. These orders, valued at Rs 35 crore and Rs 50 crore, were obtained in the second and third quarters of the current fiscal year, respectively.

Unique Challenges of Secondhand Sales

Comparing the locomotive sales to buying secondhand cars, RITES Chairman Rahul Mithal noted that costs vary based on each locomotive’s horsepower and remaining operational lifespan.

African buyers are particularly interested, given their economic reliance on rail networks for mineral transport. The cost-effectiveness of repurposed locomotives further enhances their appeal.

Overcoming Gauge Differences

A significant technical challenge lies in converting Indian broad-gauge locomotives, originally designed for a 1,676 mm gauge, to the narrower 1,067 mm Cape Gauge used in over twelve African nations, including South Africa. This conversion requires extensive modifications to the bogies, wheels, and under-frame of each locomotive.

RITES plans to select six of the best available locomotives from Indian Railways and convert them to Cape Gauge. “This is the first time we will attempt such a gauge conversion for in-service locomotives,” said Mithal. If successful, this breakthrough could open a vast market for Indian Railways’ surplus diesel locomotives, reports Mint.

In anticipation, RITES has begun detailed design work with Indian Railways, with a goal of securing design approvals within four to six months. With over 10,000 electric and 4,500 diesel locomotives as of last year, Indian Railways stands to benefit from turning these spare diesel units into an export revenue stream, while continuing to enhance its domestic rail network through electrification and safety upgrades.