President of Mozambique inaugurates four Cape Gauge Diesel Locomotives manufactured by Banaras Locomotive Works

Four Cape Gauge Diesel locomotives, manufactured by Indian Railways’ Production Unit, Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) for export to Mozambique were formally inaugurated by  the President of Mozambique, in presence of  the President of Zimbabwe at Beira on 11th of February 2022. Indian Railways is proud to partner with Mozambique in enhancing their economic growth. These 3000 HP Locomotives are currently being operated multiple units to haul 3561 tonnes of coal from Coal Mines to the Port of Beira, hauling 43 wagons.

In the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Cape Gauge Diesel Locos have been
• Designed in India,
• Made in India and
• Financed by India
• For Export.

This export order taps BLW’s expertise of six decades of locomotive manufacture, for making diesel locos for export-IR’s contribution to Atmanirbhar Bharat.

On this occasion, Anjali Goyal, GM/BLW said, “Banaras Locomotive Works is deeply honoured that four Brand Banaras Diesel Locomotives were inaugurated on 11.2.2022, jointly by Presidents of Mozambique and Zimbabwe, at Beira, Mozambique. This is a momentous occasion
of pride and fulfilment for Team BLW. It has strengthened our resolve to step up efforts for future exports. We are grateful for this opportunity to contribute in strengthening the bond of friendship and economic cooperation, between India and Mozambique and Zimbabwe. We greatly value the enduring partnership we have with CFM (Mozambique Railways) and would continue to extend full support in modernization of the Mozambican Railways. BLW is fully geared to leverage its manufacturing capabilities for export of locomotives to sister countries in Africa at competitive rates. We look forward to more opportunities to play a key role in India’s International Economic nCooperation initiatives, in partnership with Ministry of External Affairs and RITES.”

With this cape gauge order, BLW hopes to help India enter the market for cape gauge locomotives in Africa, where there is an extensive cape gauge network. Banaras Locomotive Works can provide export services of Technology, Training and Maintenance support, besides locomotives and
spares, for multi traction multi gauge systems.

Make in India In house Design: This is BLW’s first cape gauge loco built with AC-AC traction system. This loco has new design Cape Gauge Bogie with maximum axle load of 20 ton and capable for 100 km/h speed.

The AC-AC Traction System, Traction Alternator, Traction Motor, Turbo, Water closet were specially designed for Mozambique, by the inhouse Design Centre.

In house Manufacture: Most critical item of Engine i.e. Crank-case assembly has been developed in-house in BLW

Building capacity in domestic industry: Capabilities of several Private and Public sector entities have been enhanced for future exports.

BLW has extended support and guidance to partner with several public/private suppliers for sub- assemblies like Turbo-supercharger assembly, Traction motor & alternator, Traction propulsion system, Fuel Tank, Compressor, etc.
Features
• This locomotive is capable of hauling 2255 ton at 100 kmph at level track and maximum tractive effort of 400N.
• The driver cabin of this locomotive is Noise Vibration and Harshness standard compliant having very good acoustics, ergonomically designed seats, integrated Graphic Driver Display, and also provided with Heating Venting AC (HVAC) for better crew comfort and reducing fatigue.