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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