Banaras Rail Engine Factory Flags Off 2500th Electric Locomotive, Marks Major Milestone for Indian Railways

New Delhi, July 19 — In a proud moment for Indian Railways, the Banaras Rail Engine Factory (BLW) has reached a major milestone by producing and delivering its 2,500th electric locomotive. This electric engine is of the WAP-7 class, with 6000 horsepower, and can run at speeds of up to 140 km/h.

The new engine was ceremonially flagged off by General Manager Naresh Pal Singh on Saturday, in the presence of factory staff, media, and other officials.

BLW started making electric locomotives in 2017, and reaching this number in just eight years is seen as a record achievement in the history of Indian Railways. The event also showed growing participation of women in engineering roles, as women employees like Anita Devi and Shruti Srivastava took part in the ceremony.

During the event, a multimedia presentation highlighted BLW’s journey, including success in exports, green energy projects, and ongoing development work.

The WAP-7 electric locomotive includes modern features like:

• Real-time monitoring systems

• Regenerative braking (which saves energy)

• Air-conditioned driver cabins

• A new gear ratio that allows it to pull fast passenger trains

This engine will be used at the Krishnarajapuram shed of South Western Railway.

So far, BLW has made a total of 10,822 locomotives — including 7,498 diesel engines and now 2,500 electric engines. In just this financial year (2024–25), the factory has already produced 472 electric locomotives.

The factory is also gaining international recognition. Recently, it sent two of ten diesel-electric locomotives ordered by the country of Mozambique, showing that Indian Railways is now supplying engines globally.

This latest achievement strengthens BLW’s position as a leading locomotive producer and supports India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission by promoting local manufacturing and global exports in the railway sector.