The Union Ministry of Railways said on Wednesday that India produced a record 1,681 locomotives across various categories in the financial year 2024-25.

A railways spokesperson stated that this is an increase of 209 locomotives, or 19%, compared to the 1,472 locomotives produced in 2023-24. 

This record-breaking production is the highest ever for locomotive manufacturing in the country. “This surpasses the total locomotive production of regions such as the United States, Europe, South America, Africa, and Australia,” the spokesperson said. 

Between 2004 and 2014, India produced a total of 4,695 locomotives, with a national annual average of 470. In contrast, from 2014 to 2024, locomotive manufacturing witnessed a significant surge, with 9,168 locomotives produced, raising the annual average to approximately 917.

The production was distributed as follows: Chittaranjan Locomotive Works manufactured 700 locomotives, Banaras Locomotive Works produced 477, Patiala Locomotive Works contributed 304 locomotives, and 100 locomotives each were manufactured at the Madhepura and Marhowrah units.

The majority of locomotives produced in the country are intended for freight trains. Among the 1,681 locomotives produced, 1,047 were WAG-9/9H locomotives, seven WAG-9HH locomotives, 148 WAG-9 Twin locomotives, two WAP-5 locomotives, 272 WAP-7 locomotives, five NRC locomotives, 100 WAG-12B locomotives, and 100 WDG 4G/6G locomotives.