Siemens has officially handed over the first of 1,200 electric freight locomotives to Indian Railways, marking a significant milestone in the company's partnership with the Indian railway system. This €3 billion contract, the largest in Siemens Mobility's history and the largest single order for Siemens India, is a testament to the company's commitment to supporting India's transportation infrastructure.
The D9 locomotives are designed to operate at up to 120 km/h and can haul loads of up to 5,800 tonnes, making them ideal for freight operations throughout the sub-continent. With a power output of 9,000 hp, they are India's most powerful six-axle electric freight locomotives, featuring advanced digital systems such as Railigent X for predictive maintenance and data-driven performance optimization.
One of the key aspects of this partnership is the lifecycle partnership model, which includes design, manufacturing, commissioning, and 35 years of full-service maintenance. Siemens Mobility is establishing maintenance facilities in Visakhapatnam, Raipur, Kharagpur, and Pune, ensuring that the locomotives are well-maintained and operational for decades to come. This comprehensive approach to maintenance includes spare parts management, materials management, and maintenance planning, as well as documentation and reporting.
Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, 'The handover of the first D9 locomotives and the opening of the new maintenance depot in Visakhapatnam are major milestones in this landmark project and our long-term partnership with Indian Railway. With our leading technology, we are supporting the country's goal of shifting more freight to rail, boosting logistics efficiency, and significantly reducing CO2 emissions for decades to come. Together, we are bringing one of the world's most powerful and energy-efficient freight locomotives into service – manufactured and maintained in India.'
This project not only showcases Siemens Mobility's technological prowess but also its dedication to sustainable transportation solutions. By reducing CO2 emissions and improving logistics efficiency, the D9 locomotives will play a crucial role in India's efforts to modernize its transportation infrastructure.
