MOZAMBIQUE: Indian Railways’ Banaras Locomotive Works in Varanasi has rolled out the first two of six 1 067 mm gauge diesel locomotives ordered by Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique along with 90 stainless steel coaches.
The 3 000 hp ‘Designed in India, Made in India and Financed by India’ locomotives are BLW’s first Cape gauge design with an AC-AC traction package. They have a maximum speed of 100 km/h, and can haul 2 255 tonnes on level track. The newly designed 1 067 mm gauge bogies have a maximum axleload of 20 tonnes. The locos have CCB 2.0 computer-controlled braking, and a 6 000 litre fuel tank.
The cab is designed for low noise and vibration, and has ergonomic seats and a newly designed control console with integrated graphic driver display. Facilities for crew comfort include HVAC, refrigerator, hot plate and an onboard toilet.
Bureau Veritas is providing inspection serves on behalf of CFM.
Economic empowerment through export
India’s Ministry of Railways said the export of locomotives which are ‘cost effective and at par with International standards’ would ‘boost the Indo-African relationship and pilot economic empowerment through export.’
Production of the first two locomotives was completed within 14 months of the order being confirmed through RITES in January 2020. They were ceremonially flagged off from the factory on March 10 by India’s Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal and Mozambique’s Minister of Transport & Communications Janfar Abdulai using video conferencing.
‘We will work as Mozambique’s trusted partner’, said Goyal. ‘With significant innovation, remodelling and upgradation, Indian Railways wishes to become the preferred supplier for Mozambique and countries around the world for all their requirements.’
