With the milestone of 96% electrification nearly complete, Indian Railways is shifting its focus toward international opportunities by stepping into the African rail market. As India continues its transition to an electrified rail system, the Ministry of Railways is exploring new avenues for its surplus diesel engines. A significant export initiative is underway, with Indian Railways preparing to deliver 20 diesel engines to African countries, catering to their steel and mining sectors.
Initial Order Secured by RITES
This landmark export order, valued at approximately ₹50 crore, has been secured by Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES), the engineering and consultancy firm that handles many of India’s international railway collaborations. With this order, Indian Railways aims to address the demand for durable and powerful diesel engines in Africa, where the need for robust rail infrastructure continues to rise. These exported engines are expected to have a service lifespan of around 15 to 20 years, ensuring long-term operational support to Africa’s industrial rail operations.
Adapting Indian-made diesel engines to fit Africa’s railway infrastructure is no small feat. While Indian railways operate on a broad gauge track measuring 1.6 meters wide, many African rail networks use the Cape gauge, which measures 1.06 meters. To ensure compatibility with this narrower gauge, the axles of the engines must be adjusted to reduce the distance between wheels. This intricate process requires precision engineering to uphold performance and safety standards.
RDSO to Oversee Technical Adjustments and Compatibility
Indian Railways has passed on the burden of altering these engines to Africa’s standards to India’s Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO). RDSO has in its portfolio technical redesigns and innovations in Indian Railways. Officials from Perambur Loco Works also clarified that the alterations would take place at Chittaranjan Locomotive Workshop in Kolkata, with great skills in locomotive engineering. The senior officials at railway levels clarified that these alterations are necessary for a smooth entry of Indian engines into Africa’s varied terrain.
Indian Railways’ Entry into African Markets
The growing rail infrastructure and increasing demand for sturdy locomotives in mining industries across Africa will make entry by Indian Railways a chance for mutual growth in the economic interaction between India and African nations. Indian Railways reflects commitment towards international cooperation as well with its provision of hardy and well-designed rail technology solutions appropriate to varyingly differing operational needs with its entry into the African market.
