Indian Railways permits GE locomotives for operation

September 22, 2018: GE Transportation has announced that the Indian Railways has approved the GE’s 4,500-horsepower diesel-electric Evolution Series prototype locomotive for operations. The approval comes after completion of rigorous testing of the locomotive on Indian Railways’ tracks following its handover in February 2018.

The national transporter reviewed key design aspects, documentation and also did a thorough validation around various parameters in the United States and in India. Also, the 4500 HP locomotives completed additional reviews including oscillation trials and rating and performance tests.

The new units feature an evolution series engine and an electronic fuel-injection system for enhanced fuel efficiency. The locomotives have also reportedly been digitally enabled for predictive analytics to increase availability and reliability.

The locomotives are part of an agreement, worth $2.5 billion, which was inked in the year 2015. The agreement included an order for 1,000 locomotives and also the establishment of a new GE Transportation factory as well as maintenance sheds in the country.