"Make in Bihar" locomotive to power Guinea’s rails
New Delhi : Madhepura in Bihar’s Saran district, once etched in India’s freedom struggle, is now scripting a new chapter in the country’s industrial revolution. A diesel locomotive manufactured at the Webtec Diesel Locomotive Factory in Madhepura is being exported to the West African nation of Guinea. On June 20, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will flag off this consignment of locomotives.
The Webtec Diesel Locomotive Factory has already reinvigorated Indian Railways and is now positioning itself as a global locomotive manufacturing hub. It stands as a testament to PM Modi’s vision of Make in India and reflects CM Nitish Kumar’s commitment to a Viksit Bihar (Developed Bihar).
Over 729 Diesel Locomotives Already Manufactured
The factory is a joint venture between Wabtec Inc. and Indian Railways, with Wabtec holding a 76% stake and Indian Railways holding 24%. Since its establishment in 2018, the plant has produced 729 high-powered diesel locomotives—including 545 engines of 4500 HP and 184 engines of 6000 HP. With its growing global reputation, the plant is now preparing to significantly scale up its manufacturing capacity.
India’s First State to Export Locomotives Globally
Bringing to life the "Make in India" vision, this factory is now echoing the new mantra—“Make in Bihar, Make for the World.” For the first time ever, a state in India is manufacturing and exporting diesel locomotives to the international market.
On May 26, 2025, three ministers from the Republic of Guinea visited the plant, which led to the finalization of a deal for 140 locomotives, named “KOMO.” Valued at approximately ₹3,000 crore, this agreement is more than a commercial deal—it’s a symbol of India’s growing role in the global supply chain.
From Local Manufacturing to Global Impact
Spread across 226 acres, the Madhepura factory does more than just build locomotives—it strengthens local employment and supply chains. Around 40–50% of the components are sourced from Indian states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Jamshedpur, while some specialized parts are imported from the U.S. With rising global demand and export orders, the plant is now rapidly expanding to cater to standard-gauge locomotives for international use.
Bihar Rises on the Global Industrial Map
This project is not just about manufacturing prowess—it is about placing Bihar firmly on the global industrial map. It will generate skilled employment for local youth, strengthen regional supplier networks, and provide India with a historic opportunity to emerge as a global exporter of diesel locomotives. This milestone will serve as a cornerstone in realizing the development visions of both Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Locomotives for the World, Made in Bihar
The locomotives from Madhepura are no longer limited to powering India—they will now power the world. This is the true spirit of “Make in Bihar.” It is more than a success story of a factory; it is a symbol of Bihar’s talent, India’s technology, and the strong foundation of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
