TFP Bureau, New Delhi, June 23, 2025: The bidding process for manufacturing 9,000 horsepower electric locomotives at the Dahod facility in Gujarat was carried out with complete transparency, affirming Indian Railways’ commitment to fair and professional procurement. Siemens and Alstom—two global leaders capable of producing 9,000 HP locomotives—participated in the 2022 tender, with Siemens ultimately winning the contract by offering the most competitive price.
A joint team of technical and financial experts rigorously evaluated the bids in accordance with the established procedures Indian Railways has consistently maintained. Both Siemens and Alstom were technically on par, while Siemens secured the contract due to its lower financial bid, reflecting a transparent price discovery mechanism.
Clarifying concerns raised about the tender, officials emphasized that the process adhered strictly to institutional rules and norms. The Railway Minister plays no role in tender evaluations, with all approvals since 2016 delegated to empowered Railway Board members and zonal units to ensure neutrality and transparency. Both Siemens and Alstom have longstanding relationships with Indian Railways, further ensuring credibility.
Significantly, the Dahod locomotive project aligns closely with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, as over 89% of the locomotive components are sourced and manufactured domestically. The Indian railway component manufacturing ecosystem has grown rapidly over the past decade, enabling complex parts production at multiple locations nationwide. This level of indigenous manufacturing is among the highest globally for locomotive components.
Once operational, the Dahod-built locomotives will be maintained at four key depots located in Visakhapatnam, Raipur, Kharagpur, and Pune, ensuring their reliable and efficient service on the rail network.
This project marks a major boost to indigenous manufacturing capacity while reinforcing Indian Railways’ focus on lifecycle cost-based procurements, enhancing product reliability and passenger safety over time.
