Archive · 9 Jun 2025
Indian Railways Clarifies Engine Terminology and Sustainability Efforts
When you call a train's engine an 'engine', that's okay, but the real name is a 'locomotive' or 'loco'.
India has lots of trains, more than 13,000 for people to ride on!
To help the environment, trains are switching from using diesel to electricity.
Electric trains are like the future, making up about 63% of all trains.
Also, some trains are trying out new fuels like CNG and nitrogen.
The strongest train engine in India, the WAG-12B, is super powerful and is used to haul cargo.
The official term for a train engine is 'locomotive' or 'loco', according to Indian Railways.
India operates over 13,000 passenger trains and nearly 23,000 total trains, including freight.
Indian Railways is transitioning from diesel to electric locomotives for sustainability.
Approximately 63% of the locomotive fleet is electric, while 37% remains diesel-powered.
Indian Railways is experimenting with alternative fuels like CNG and nitrogen for locomotives.
- Who
- Indian Railways is the entity involved.
- What
- The official term for a train engine is 'locomotive' or 'loco'.
- When
- As of June 9, 2025, Indian Railways announced the terminology and ongoing sustainability initiatives.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- To update common terminology and promote sustainability in the railway sector.
- Official Term for Train Engine
- Locomotive or Loco
- Number of Passenger Trains
- Over 13,000
- Total Number of Operational Trains (including freight)
- Nearly 23,000
- Percentage of Electric Locomotives
- 63%
- Percentage of Diesel Locomotives
- 37%
- India's Most Powerful Locomotive
- WAG-12B
- Horsepower of WAG-12B
- 12,000