OREANDA-NEWS. Alstom today successfully commenced production at its greenfield electric locomotive manufacturing facility in India. Located at Madhepura, in the state of Bihar, it is Alstom’s first electric locomotive manufacturing facility in the country, set to transform the heavy freight transport landscape in the country.

Commencing production on schedule, the construction of the plant is a remarkable achievement in the construction of greenfield facilities in the country. The Prima T8 (WAG12) locomotive, which will be produced in this new factory, is part of Alstom’s Prima range of locomotives and has been specially adapted for Indian network. The first two car body shells have already arrived at Madhepura and will be soon fitted and assembled at the plant. The first locomotive will be ready for roll-out early next year. The first 5 locomotives by 2019 followed by 35 locomotives by 2020, 60 in 2021, and by 100 every year till the target of 800 is completed.

A true embodiment of government’s ‘Make in India’ vision and built to the highest standards of quality and safety, this facility is part of a joint venture between Alstom (74%) and Indian Railways (26%). Spread across 250 acres, it currently employs 70 people, with plans to ramp it up at a rate of 25% every year till it reaches full capacity. The facility also aims to employ local youth, basis the required skill sets, to support socio-economic development of Madhepura.

Headquartered in Bangalore, Alstom’s current manufacturing footprint in India includes its metro rolling stock manufacturing facility at Sricity, component manufacturing facility at Coimbatore with the latest addition being e-loco manufacturing facility at Madhepura. For the e-loco project, the company is also setting-up two maintenance depots at Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh state) and Nagpur (Maharashtra state).  In addition, it also has a rolling stock and signaling design and engineering centre in Bangalore. This extensive footprint is enabling Alstom to expand its portfolio and deliver bespoke products and solutions to meet the growing needs of customers in India and other global markets.