Railways accepts GE's diesel-electric evolution series prototype locomotive

Indian Railways has confirmed its acceptance of GE's 4,500-horsepower diesel-electric evolution series prototype locomotives, a statement from the US technology giant said Wednesday.

After successful testing on India Railways' tracks, the locomotives were handed over in February 2018, the statement read.

The acceptance of these locomotives is a testament to GE's engineering depth and understanding of customer requirements. This is a major step towards fulfilling our contract with Indian Railways, said Nalin Jain, President and CEO-APAC, GE Transportation in the statement.

A standard practice, the acceptance of the 4500hp locomotives came after months of reviewing key design aspects, documentation and a thorough validation around various parameters in US and India, said the statement.

The locomotives also completed additional reviews including oscillation trialsand rating and performance tests.

The new units feature an evolution series engine and an electronic fuel-injection system for improved fuel efficiency, as well as compliance with international emission standard UIC1.

The individual axle-control AC propulsion technology will improve hauling capability and decrease life-cycle cost. The locomotives also are digitally enabled for predictive analytics to increase reliability and availability, read the statement.

The locomotives are part of a $2.5 billion agreement signed in 2015 in support of the Government of India's Public Private Partnership'Make in India'programme. The deal included an order for 1,000 locomotives, as well as the establishment of a new GE Transportation factory and maintenance sheds in India.

Currently, there are 45 locomotives in India that are ready for inspection and acceptance by the Indian Railways.

GE's state-of-the-art Roza Maintenance shed in Uttar Pradesh is ready for operations and the construction of the train factory in Marhowra, Bihar is in advanced stages, the statement read, adding operations will begin in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Once fully operational, all locomotives built in Marhowra under the agreement will have 70 per cent localised content.