India has taken its rightful place as the world leader in the manufacturing of railway locomotives, achieving a record total of 1,681 units constructed in the financial year 2024-25, the Railway Ministry announced on Wednesday. It likewise stated this landmark achievement elevates India's total across the globe ahead of Europe, the USA, South America, Africa, and Australia, adding to India's growing status in the coming railway economy.
"The continuous rise in locomotive production is a direct result of strategic decisions taken to strengthen the Make in India initiative. Between 2004 and 2014, India produced a total of 4,695 locomotives, with a national annual average of 470. In contrast, from 2014 to 2024, locomotive manufacturing witnessed a significant surge, with 9,168 locomotives produced, raising the annual average to approximately 917," the statement highlighted.
The production units under Indian Railways produced 1,681 locomotives over various models and types in 2024-25, which is an increase of 209 units or 19% as compared to the 1,472 locomotives constructed in the previous financial year. The total production achieved in 2024-25 was also the highest ever in India's history and comes from continued success in plans to enhance railway infrastructure and capacity.