GE Transportation has delivered the first two 4,500hp, diesel-electric Evolution-series locomotives to Indian Railways.
The delivery forms part of a $2.5bn agreement that was originally signed in 2015 for the manufacture and supply of 1,000 fuel-efficient diesel-electric locomotives.
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Indian Railway Board chairman Ashwani Lohani said: “Today marks a paradigm shift in diesel locomotive family.
“I would like to compliment GE for this new-generation, fuel-efficient locomotive.”
The new diesel-electric locomotives are noted to offer greater fuel efficiency than previous models and comply with the international emission standard UIC1.
Evolution-series trains are designed to ensure basic comforts for loco pilots. They are equipped with air-conditioned operator cabs, noise pads to reduce noise levels, heated wind screens, digital displays and urinals.
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By GlobalDataThe vehicles are also digitally enabled for predictive analytics in order to enhance overall safety and reliability standards.
In addition, GE has inaugurated the Roza Maintenance Shed in the Shahjahanpur district of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
The maintenance shed is spread across a 20-acre area and was built via an investment of $35m.
It will be utilised for the digital monitoring of the 4,500hp and 6,000hp GE Evolution-series diesel locomotives, as well as to provide training for Indian Railways pilots.
The facility will employ a team of certified technicians, who will use analytics-based maintenance practices to optimise the diesel locomotive fleet’s availability and reliability.
GE Transportation president & CEO international Nalin Jain said: “The timely delivery of the first two locomotives, and the unveiling of the Roza maintenance shed, have been made possible owing to strong commitment from the GE team in India and globally, working closely with Indian Railways.”
