Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Alstom Seeks 200-Locomotive Follow-On Order From Indian Railways
Alstom and Indian Railways make powerful electric freight locomotives at a plant in Madhepura.
The plant has already produced 800 locomotives.
Alstom is interested in receiving an order for 200 more.
Most parts are bought from suppliers in India, but wheels and axles are still imported.
The company is talking with Ramkrishna Forgings about making wheels locally.
More orders could encourage more Indian suppliers to invest in production.
The locomotives are also maintained under existing contracts, which creates future demand for replacement parts.
Alstom says the plant might also be able to make hydrogen or battery trains in the future.
Alstom is seeking a follow-on order for 200 locomotives from Indian Railways’ Madhepura plant after producing 800 units.
Nearly 90% of the locomotives’ components are sourced domestically, while wheels and axles remain imported.
Alstom is discussing local wheel supplies with Ramkrishna Forgings and other upcoming manufacturers.
Additional locomotive orders could support supplier localisation and create recurring maintenance-related demand for wheels and axles.
The Madhepura facility could potentially manufacture modified locomotives, hydrogen trains, or battery-powered trains, subject to customer requirements.
- Who
- Alstom, Indian Railways, and Madhepura Electric Locomotive Private Limited (MELPL).
- What
- Alstom is seeking a follow-on order for 200 electric freight locomotives after the Madhepura plant produced 800 units.
- When
- The article does not specify when the additional order may be placed.
- Where
- The Madhepura locomotive manufacturing plant in India.
- Why
- The additional order could support continued production, increase local sourcing, and encourage domestic suppliers to manufacture wheels and other components.
- Existing production
- The Madhepura plant has produced 800 locomotives.
- Potential new order
- Alstom is seeking an additional order for 200 locomotives.
- Localization rate
- Nearly 90% of the locomotives are currently sourced domestically.
- Imported components
- Wheels and axles continue to be imported.
- Local supplier discussions
- Alstom is in talks with Ramkrishna Forgings and upcoming wheel manufacturers.
- Locomotive power
- The plant manufactures and maintains 12,000-horsepower electric freight locomotives.
- Joint venture
- MELPL was established in 2015 as a public-private joint venture between Alstom and Indian Railways.