New Delhi/Patna, June 18: Madhepura in Bihar’s Chapra district, once an integral node in India’s freedom movement, is now spearheading a new era of industrial resurgence. On June 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off a consignment of state-of-the-art diesel locomotives, manufactured at the Madhepura plant, destined for the West African nation of Guinea.
The Madhepura factory is not just fulfilling domestic railway modernization; it is also supporting India’s ambitions to become a reliable partner in South-South cooperation. The recent deal with Guinea, titled “Project KOMO”, involves the export of 140 diesel engines, valued at around Rs. 3,000 crores.
This moment marks a historic milestone for the first time, a manufacturing unit based in Bihar is exporting heavy locomotive engines to the global market, firmly placing India on the map as a global railway manufacturing hub.
The Wabtec Diesel Locomotive Factory, a joint venture between Wabtec (76%) and Indian Railways (24%), has already produced 729 high-horsepower diesel engines since its inception in 2018, including 545 units of 4500 HP and 184 units of 6000 HP. Now, with increasing global demand, this facility is fast becoming a beacon of India’s export-led manufacturing future.
This achievement echoes the vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, translating policy into tangible, global impact. With the slogan ‘Make in Bihar: Make for the World’, Madhepura is transforming from a small town to a symbol of India’s manufacturing capability.
As India strengthens its role in global manufacturing and expands its partnerships with developing economies, Bihar’s Madhepura has emerged as a noteworthy example of industrial progress, and regional transformation.
This milestone stands as a testament to the shared vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a vision that places Bihar not on the sidelines, but at the center of India’s industrial growth story.