End of Diesel Locos ?

 

          

           Diesel Locomotives  - Phased reduction 

                                Position as on June, 2026

• Main objectives – reduction in High-Speed Diesel consumption – lower fossil-fuel dependence and imports – reduction in emissions – lower operating cost – support Indian Railways’ Net Zero Carbon Emission target by 2030. 

Broad-Gauge Electrification

• Original target for 100% Broad-Gauge electrification – December 2023 – target not fully achieved within the prescribed period.

• 69,873 Route Kilometres electrified – 99.6% of Broad-Gauge network – position as of March 2026. 

• New lines and multi-tracking projects – normally sanctioned and constructed with electrification. 

Banaras Locomotive Works

• BLW – Banaras Locomotive Works, Varanasi – former name: Diesel Locomotive Works.

• First Broad-Gauge diesel locomotive – WDM-2 – released in January 1964 named Kundan (Engine No.18233)

• Transition from diesel to electric-locomotive production – commenced during 2016–17.

• BLW production during 2024–25 – 477 locomotives – including 5 diesel locomotives for Non-Railway Customers/exports – remaining production mainly electric locomotives.

Diesel Production Has Not Completely Ended

• Marhowra Diesel Locomotive Factory, Bihar – Indian Railways–Wabtec Public–Private Partnership project.

• Contract – manufacture of 1,000 high-horsepower diesel locomotives for Indian Railways.

• Delivered up to November 2025 – 773 locomotives:

• 4,500 Horsepower – 569

• 6,000 Horsepower – 204 

Locomotive Stock - As on 31 March 2025:

• Diesel locomotives – 4,296

• Electric locomotives – 11,762

• Steam locomotives – 34

• Total – 16,092

Continued Requirement of Diesel Locomotives

• Diesel locomotives to be retained even after near-total electrification – approximately 2,500 locomotives.

• Purpose – strategic requirements – crisis and disaster management – emergencies – operation during disruption of electric supply or Overhead Equipment – special operational requirements. 

Indian Railways is not completely abolishing diesel locomotives. The policy is electrification-led reduction of regular diesel traction, while retaining a limited strategic diesel fleet and continuing committed production at Marhowra.

Key Points for MCQ 

• Indian Railways’ Net Zero Carbon Emission target - 2030

• Original target for 100% Broad-Gauge electrification - December 2023

• December 2023 target - not fully achieved within prescribed period

• As on March, ,2026 - BG Network electrified - 69,873 RKM - 99.6%

• BLW - Banaras Locomotive Works, Varanasi

• Former name of BLW - Diesel Locomotive Works

• First Broad-Gauge diesel locomotive - WDM-2 - Kundan produced by DLW – January 1964

• BLW transition to electric-locomotive production - commenced during 2016–17

• Marhowra Diesel Locomotive Factory - Bihar - IR & Wabtec - PPC - Public Private Participation - Target 1000 high HP Diesel Locomotives

• Strategic diesel fleet - crisis management - disaster management - emergencies - electric-supply failure - Overhead Equipment  disruption - special operational requirements.

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