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India Exports Used Diesel Locomotives to South Africa
23 Nov
Summary
- India will export 18 in-service diesel locomotives to South Africa.
- This marks the first export of used locomotives by RITES Limited.
- First modified locomotive delivery is expected by Q4 FY26.
For the first time, RITES Limited, a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, is set to export in-service diesel locomotives to South Africa. This significant move begins by the end of the current fiscal year, with 18 locomotives already ordered after necessary modifications. These locomotives, having over 15 years of functional life remaining, are being repurposed for export as Indian Railways increasingly shifts towards electrification.
The export order specifically targets South Africa, which utilizes the Cape Gauge track system (1,067 mm) unlike India's Broad Gauge (1,676 mm). RITES aims to deliver the first modified locomotive by the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026. Company leadership expressed optimism about securing additional orders from South Africa's neighboring countries, leveraging this pioneering venture.
This initiative highlights a strategic effort to monetize surplus diesel locomotives, as Indian Railways holds over 500 such units suitable for export. Beyond locomotive exports, RITES is also involved in designing passenger holding areas at 76 major Indian stations and has secured an order to export 200 passenger coaches to Bangladesh.
