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Indian Railways has taken a major step in freight modernization after Siemens Mobility officially handed over the first D9 electric freight locomotives for commercial operations. The handover marks the beginning of one of the world’s largest electric locomotive deployment projects under a massive contract signed between Siemens and Indian Railways in 2023.

The project involves the supply of 1,200 high-powered electric freight locomotives under a deal valued at around ₹26,000–₹27,000 crore, making it the largest locomotive order in Siemens Mobility’s history and Siemens India’s biggest-ever order.

India’s Most Powerful Six-Axle Freight Locomotives

The new D9 locomotives are designed specifically for heavy-haul freight operations across India’s rapidly expanding rail freight network.

Key specifications include:

• 9,000 horsepower output
• Maximum speed of 120 km/h
• Ability to haul up to 5,800 tonnes
• 22.5-tonne axle load
• Co-Co six-axle configuration
• Advanced regenerative braking systems

Siemens describes the D9 as one of the most powerful freight locomotives deployed globally and currently India’s most powerful six-axle electric freight engine.

Built In India Under ‘Make In India’

The locomotives are being manufactured at the Indian Railways locomotive factory in Dahod, Gujarat, under the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Reports suggest nearly 90% of the locomotive technology and components are locally sourced.

The project has also helped develop local rail manufacturing capabilities and supply chains across India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier inaugurated the first 9000 HP locomotive from the Dahod facility in 2025.

First Maintenance Depot Opened In Visakhapatnam

Alongside the locomotive handover, Siemens and Indian Railways also inaugurated the first dedicated maintenance depot in Visakhapatnam. The depot is part of a larger nationwide maintenance network that will eventually include:

• Visakhapatnam
• Raipur
• Kharagpur
• Pune

The contract includes:

• Manufacturing
• Commissioning
• Fleet monitoring
• 35 years of full-service maintenance

The long-term maintenance model is aimed at ensuring high locomotive availability and operational reliability.

Advanced Technology And AI-Based Monitoring

The D9 locomotives are equipped with several advanced digital and safety technologies.

These include:

• Railigent X predictive maintenance platform
• AI-based diagnostics
• Real-time monitoring systems
• GPS tracking
• Kavach safety system integration
• Advanced traction systems

The AI-enabled monitoring systems are expected to predict failures before breakdowns occur, reducing maintenance downtime and improving operational efficiency.

First Indian Rolling Stock Certified To European Standards

One of the biggest achievements of the D9 project is that the locomotives became the first Indian Railways rolling stock to be successfully tested and certified under the European EN 14363 standard.

This certification validates:

• Ride dynamics
• Safety performance
• Stability standards
• International engineering compliance

The locomotives reportedly completed extensive testing on routes including Nagpur–Itarsi and Jodhpur sections before entering commercial service.

Why These Locomotives Matter For India

Indian Railways is aggressively trying to increase rail’s share in freight transport while reducing dependence on road logistics.

The D9 locomotives are expected to:

• Improve freight corridor efficiency
• Increase freight carrying capacity
• Reduce logistics costs
• Lower carbon emissions
• Improve freight train speeds
• Strengthen Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs)

Indian Railways aims to increase rail freight share from around 27% to nearly 40–45% in the coming years.

A Major Rail Modernization Milestone

The launch of commercial operations for the D9 locomotives reflects India’s broader railway modernization push involving:

• Dedicated Freight Corridors
• 100% electrification
• High-powered locomotives
• AI-driven rail operations
• Advanced safety systems
• Green logistics infrastructure

With 1,200 D9 locomotives planned over the next decade, the project could become one of the most important upgrades in Indian freight rail history.