First 12,000 HP Electric Loco operationalized by Indian Railways
On May 19, 2020, the Indian Railways operationalized the first 12,000 HP electric locomotive. The locomotive was built by the French Alstom Company under the Make in India initiative.
Highlights
The locomotive was manufactured at the Madhepura Electric Locomotive in Bihar. It is capable of hauling 6000 tonnes at a top speed of 120 km/hr.
The locomotive was manufactured as a joint venture between the Indian and French share holding of 74% and 26%.
With this, India has become the sixth country in the world to produce high horse power locomotive.
About the Project
Under the Indo-French project, around 4 locomotives were to be delivered in 2018, 35 in 2019-20, 60 in 2020-21 and 100 every year till the end of 11-year long delivery. The project is considered as the largest FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in the railways sector.
It is to be noted that Indian Railways also signed an agreement with the American Conglomerate General Electric to supply 1000 diesel locomotive for a period of 11 years.
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Month: Current Affairs - May, 2020