Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first of the new D9 – 9000 HP electric locomotives at the Indian Railways’ manufacturing facility in Dahod, Gujarat. Engineered to redefine freight mobility, the D9 locomotive is among the most powerful freight locomotives in the world. Each of the 1,200 units will deliver a haulage capacity of 5,800 ton and operate at a top speed of 120 km/h, enabling high-efficiency movement across the country’s vast rail network. Approximately 90 per cent of the technologies deployed in these locomotives are manufactured in India, underscoring the nation’s growing capabilities in advanced railway engineering.
The Dahod facility, where the final assembly takes place, has been developed in under two years and incorporates several modern features, including Virtual Reality-based safety training, a full-scale locomotive simulator, and loco-shunters for optimized carriage movement.
“Prime Minister Modi’s visit marks a proud milestone in our journey to deliver 1,200 high-performance electric locomotives for India. After two years of intense planning, engineering, and international collaboration, we are now entering full production mode – with our teams in Nashik, Aurangabad, Mumbai, and Dahod making this vision a reality,” said Michael Peter, CEO, Siemens Mobility. “The D9 is a symbol of sustainable progress and will increase the share of freight transported by rail in one of the largest freight markets in the world. The locomotives have the potential to replace up to 800,000 trucks and save over 800 million ton of CO₂ emissions over its lifecycle. Together with Indian Rail, we are setting new standards in rail efficiency and environmental sustainability.”
The new fleet will be maintained over a 35-year period, ensuring long-term reliability and operational excellence. These locomotives are equipped with advanced digital tracking systems, the Kavach safety mechanism, Siemens’ Railigent X platform for predictive maintenance, and cutting-edge green propulsion technology—positioning them at the forefront of modern, sustainable freight rail transport.