INDIAN Railways has ordered 1,000 of two types of new diesel locos from American loco builder GE Transportation in an order worth $2.5billion.
The first of the 700 4,500hp diesel electric locos, designated ES43ACi by GE and Class WDG4G by Indian Railways, was handed over to Indian Railways in October 2017.
The 100kph locos are mostly being assembled in India at the new GE/Indian Railways joint venture Diesel Locomotive Factory, Marhowra in Bihar State.
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They utilise a 12-cylinder GE GEVO engine, are designed for freight, and will replace older diesel locos.
The first 40 were built by GE at Erie in the USA. Deliveries will continue until 2027/28.
In addition, 300 of a more powerful 6,000hp design, designated ES57ACi by GE and Class WDG 6 by Indian Railways, will also be built at Marhowra.
Read more in the January 2019 issue of The RM – on sale now!
