Wabtec Corp plans to make Bihar factory into an export-oriented unit

A strong order book of around $1.5 billion itself is proof of Wabtec's growing strength in the Indian rail sector

In early 2019, Wabtec Corporation (formerly GE Transportation) appeared to be infusing a fresh lease of life to Marhowra in Bihar, a town then living on its past industrial glory.

At the time Business Standard described the place as a “graveyard, full of the tombs of long deceased factories” — Morton Confectionery, Saran Distillery, Saran Engineering Works and Kanpur Sugar Works, among others.

Four years down the line, Marhowra is considered an iconic symbol of Make in India, being home to one of the largest foreign direct investments (FDI) in the rail sector. Braving the pandemic, in February 2023, Wabtec