Tag: Make in India

Human Interest

India to Export 150 Locomotives Worth ₹3,000 Crore to Guinea in Landmark Rail Infrastructure Deal

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New Delhi | June 2025 — In a major boost to India’s growing stature as a global supplier of advanced rail infrastructure, the Government of India has announced the export of 150 state-of-the-art locomotives to the Republic of Guinea, a West African nation. Valued at over ₹3,000 crore, this strategic deal underscores India’s deepening economic engagement with Africa and showcases the technological capabilities of Indian manufacturing in the rail transport sector.

A Milestone in India–Africa Cooperation

The agreement, finalized under the India–Africa development partnership framework, involves the export of diesel-electric locomotives manufactured by Indian Railways production units and private partners. The locomotives will support Guinea’s efforts to modernize its rail network, enhance freight capacity, and improve regional connectivity—particularly for its mineral-rich inland areas.

A senior official from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) commented:

“This export is not only a commercial transaction but also a symbol of India’s commitment to Africa’s infrastructure development and economic self-reliance.”

Key Highlights of the Deal:

  • 🚆 Quantity: 150 diesel-electric locomotives
  • 💰 Value: ₹3,000+ crore (~USD 360 million)
  • 🏗️ Manufacturer: Indian Railways (via production units like Banaras Locomotive Works and select private partners)
  • 🌍 Destination: Republic of Guinea, West Africa
  • 🛠️ Purpose: Freight transport, mining sector logistics, and regional rail development

Strengthening the ‘Make in India’ Export Vision

The deal reinforces India’s ‘Make in India for the World’ strategy by exporting high-quality, durable, and fuel-efficient locomotives built using indigenous technology. These locomotives are equipped with modern features, including:

  • Advanced braking and control systems
  • Fuel efficiency optimization
  • Minimal maintenance design
  • Climate-adapted components for African terrain and weather

India has been increasingly expanding its footprint in railway diplomacy, providing rail infrastructure, rolling stock, and technical expertise to various African and Asian nations under government-to-government and EXIM Bank-supported frameworks.

Guinea’s Infrastructure Growth and Strategic Ties

For Guinea, the locomotives will significantly improve its ability to transport bauxite, iron ore, and agricultural goods from the interior regions to ports for export. The deal also signals Guinea’s strategic pivot towards reliable global partners for development support.

Guinea’s Ministry of Transport welcomed the initiative, stating:

“India has proven to be a trusted partner in development. These locomotives will form the backbone of our national railway upgrade, creating jobs and boosting trade.”

Looking Ahead

This export is part of India’s broader push to become a leading provider of sustainable infrastructure to the Global South. With Africa emerging as a priority region for India’s foreign and economic policy, more such high-impact deals are expected in the near future.

The first batch of locomotives is expected to be shipped by early 2026, with delivery and deployment scheduled in phases over two years. Training and technical support will also be provided to Guinean railway personnel as part of the comprehensive package.

Human Interest

Fifth Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Achal’ Launched by Goa Shipyard Ltd for Indian Coast Guard

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Goa | June 2025 — In a significant stride toward bolstering India’s coastal defense capabilities, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) successfully launched the fifth Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) named ‘Achal’ for the Indian Coast Guard. The ceremonial launch took place at the shipyard’s facility in Goa and was graced by Mrs. Kavita Harbola, who performed the traditional naming and launching rites. The event was held in the presence of Additional Director General Anil Kumar Harbola, Indian Coast Guard.

The Achal is part of an advanced fleet of eight FPVs being constructed by GSL under a contract awarded by the Ministry of Defence. These high-speed vessels are designed for coastal surveillance, anti-smuggling operations, search and rescue (SAR), and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) patrolling.

Each vessel is equipped with cutting-edge navigation and communication systems, fast interception capability, and state-of-the-art onboard facilities, enabling rapid response to emerging maritime threats.

  • 🔧 Total Project Cost: ₹473 crore
  • 🏭 Make in India Boost: Built entirely in India, the project supports local industry and aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission.
  • 👷‍♂️ Employment Generation: The construction has created hundreds of skilled and semi-skilled jobs and engaged over 200 MSMEs across India in the supply of equipment and services.
  • 🚢 Sustainable Engineering: The vessels follow eco-friendly design principles and adhere to international maritime safety norms.

A GSL spokesperson remarked,

“The launch of Achal marks a proud milestone in our longstanding partnership with the Indian Coast Guard. With each vessel we deliver, we reaffirm our commitment to national security, indigenous manufacturing, and maritime innovation.”

With Achal now successfully launched, outfitting and sea trials will proceed before the vessel is formally inducted into the Indian Coast Guard. The remaining three ships in the series are progressing on schedule, with deliveries expected over the next 12–18 months.

The Indian Coast Guard’s growing fleet of indigenous patrol vessels significantly enhances its ability to protect India’s 7,500 km coastline and offshore assets, ensuring peace and security in the region.

Human Interest

Goa Shipyard Achieves Major Milestone: Keel Laid for Yard 1283, Fourth NGOPV for Indian Navy

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Panjim, Goa | June 10, 2025 — Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), one of India’s premier defence shipyards, marked a significant milestone with the keel laying of Yard 1283, the fourth vessel in the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) series for the Indian Navy. This landmark event took place at the GSL campus and was presided over by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff.

The ceremony underscores the growing momentum of the Rs 6,200 crore NGOPV project, which involves the construction of seven technologically advanced patrol vessels—all designed and built in-house by GSL. These vessels are intended to enhance the Indian Navy’s operational readiness and maritime security footprint across the Indian Ocean Region.

The keel laying of Yard 1283 marks the official commencement of its physical construction and reaffirms India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in the defence manufacturing sector.

Each NGOPV is engineered to undertake a variety of missions, including long-range surveillance, maritime patrolling, anti-piracy operations, and protection of offshore assets. The vessels will also play a crucial role in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and maritime interdiction tasks.

Key Features of the NGOPVs:

  • Length: 114 meters
  • Beam: 14.6 meters
  • Displacement: 2,700 tonnes
  • Propulsion: Dual diesel engines with Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP)
  • Armament: Indigenous weapons and sensors, designed for multi-role maritime duties
  • Crew Comfort: State-of-the-art accommodation and operational systems

Addressing the gathering, Vice Admiral Swaminathan highlighted the Navy’s focus on indigenisation and the strategic role GSL is playing in shaping India’s future-ready naval capabilities.

“This keel laying is not just a shipbuilding ritual—it’s a testament to the Indian Navy’s unwavering focus on operational self-reliance. GSL has consistently demonstrated excellence in execution, delivering critical platforms under challenging timelines,” said the Vice Admiral.

He praised the efforts of the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Navy, and private and public sector entities in strengthening India’s domestic shipbuilding ecosystem.

Mr. Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, Chairman and Managing Director of Goa Shipyard Ltd., expressed pride in the shipyard’s growing contribution to national security.

“Yard 1283 reflects our team’s precision, passion, and purpose. These strategic orders highlight the level of trust placed in GSL by the Indian Navy, and we remain firmly committed to delivering vessels of world-class standards with high indigenous content,” said Mr. Upadhyay.

He also pointed out that GSL’s continuous investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital are driving it toward becoming a global name in defence shipbuilding.

The NGOPV project is not just about ships—it’s about creating an ecosystem of design, engineering, and production excellence rooted in Indian capabilities. Each milestone, including the keel laying of Yard 1283, brings India closer to its vision of maritime self-sufficiency and strategic autonomy.

As the Indian Navy continues to expand and modernize, GSL remains a cornerstone in its journey—building platforms that are not only technically advanced but also symbolize national pride.