In a remarkable achievement, Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) is delighted to share the exciting news that BLW has clinched a follow-up order for the manufacturing and supply of 10 Cape Gauge diesel locomotives destined for Mozambique.The locomotives will be entirely designed and manufactured in India, aligning with the Make-in-India initiative.
More Details:
- This achievement comes on the heels of the earlier successful export of 7 Cape Gauge diesel locomotives to the same destination, highlighting the reliability and excellence of BLW’s locomotive engineering.
- In the last order, the inaugural locomotive was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister of Railways in the presence of high-ranking officials from Railways, External Affairs, and Mozambique. The loco was dedicated to service in a ceremony by the President of Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Historical Export Timeline:
In a testament to global technology powerhouse BLW had exported 7 locomotives. The remarkable success of the previous project is underscored by the fact that the current order is not only a repeat but also demands a 10% power upgrade. The new locomotives will boast an impressive 3300 HP, a significant increase from the 3000 HP in the earlier order.
Atma Nirbhar Bharat in Action:
Embodying the spirit of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat, the Cape Gauge Diesel Locomotives under this repeat order will be entirely designed and manufactured in India. This not only reinforces self-sufficiency but also aligns with the global initiative of boosting economic empowerment through exports.
Enhanced Crew Comfort and Safety:
The new locomotives will feature state-of-the-art amenities in the driver cabin, including Noise Vibration and Harshness standard compliance, ergonomically designed seats, an integrated Graphic Driver Display, and Heating Venting AC (HVAC) for enhanced crew comfort and reduced fatigue. Onboard facilities such as a water-closet, refrigerator, and hot plate further contribute to an improved working environment.
Technological Advancements:
Equipped with a Computer Controlled Brake system, the locomotives ensure the highest safety standards, reliability, and maintainability. The use of stainless steel pipes guarantees corrosion resistance, making these locomotives both cost-effective and in line with international standards.
Make-in-India Initiative:
Manufacturing these locomotives at BLW is a proud initiative under Make-in-India, showcasing the capabilities of Indian engineering on a global stage.
Indo-African Relations and Future Prospects:
The export of locomotives to Mozambique is not just a business transaction; it’s a bridge-building initiative, strengthening the Indo-African relationship. BLW is poised for future exports, with expectations of further orders for 5 Cape Gauge diesel locomotives to Mozambique in the near future.
Banaras Locomotive Works remains committed to providing not just locomotives but comprehensive export services, including Technology, Training, and Maintenance support for multi-traction multi-gauge systems.
I.R.M.S. & I.R.P.F.S. probationary officers. visit of B.L.W.
In December, 2023, 14 officers of Indian Railway Management Service and Indian Railway Protection Force Service and Course Director Shri Krishna Kant visited Banaras Locomotive Works, Varanasi.
First of all, Chief Electrical Engineer-Loco Shri Arun Kumar Sharma gave detailed information about loco production activities, construction facilities, ongoing projects in BLW as well as production process and technical subjects. Visited various shops of BLW like Truck Machine Shop, Loco Assembly Shop, Loco Test Shop and studied the works related to railway engine production. Also, he went into the loco driver’s cab and obtained information related to loco operation.
- After the factory tour, there was an interaction meeting of the probationary officers with General Manager Shri Basudev Panda and key officers. First of all, General Manager Shri Basudev Panda congratulated everyone on joining the railway service and while motivating them said that you can make an important contribution in improving the railways with your ability.
- Everyone was given a lot of emphasis on learning and understanding in the early years. The General Manager also gave much advice for his further service. During this, the probationary officers asked their respective questions, regarding which the General Manager and key officers gave detailed information and also encouraged them for a better future.
The meeting witnessed the presence of General Manager Shri Panda as well as Principal Chief Electrical Engineer Shri S.K. Srivastava, Principal Chief Engineer Shri Vinod Bampal, Principal Chief Security Commissioner Shri Ranveer Singh Chauhan, Principal Chief Personnel Officer Shri Vijay Kumar Shrivastava, Principal Chief Medical Officer Dr. Devesh Kumar, Chief Mechanical Engineer-S.E. Shri Neeraj Jain, Chief Electrical Engineer-Loco Shri Arun Kumar Sharma, Financial Advisor and Chief Account Officer-TOT Shri Ajay Srivastava, and D.B.M. Shri V.P.Kumawat.
Source: BLW- Press Release | Images Credit (representational): BLW
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