Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has inaugurated the first new D9 series 9000-horsepower electric locomotives at the Indian Railways facility in Dahod, Gujarat.
The event marks the start of production and deployment of a fleet of 1,200 high-power electric locomotives being delivered under a contract with Siemens Mobility.
Developed to support freight operations, the D9 locomotives are part of Indian Railways’ strategy to modernise its rolling stock and shift a greater share of freight transport from road to rail. Each locomotive is capable of reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h and hauling up to 5,800 tonnes. Over their projected lifecycle, the locomotives are expected to help avoid up to 800 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
Nearly 90% of the components and technologies used in the D9 locomotives are manufactured in India. Siemens Mobility has been producing critical systems and parts at its facilities in Nashik, Aurangabad and Mumbai, with final assembly taking place at Dahod.
The Dahod plant, constructed in under two years, includes modern features such as virtual reality-based safety training, a locomotive simulator, and dedicated loco-shunters for efficient yard operations.
Siemens Mobility’s contract also includes long-term maintenance for the locomotives, with the company responsible for upkeep over a 35-year period.
The units will be equipped with Siemens’ Railigent X platform to enable predictive maintenance and operational optimisation. Additional features include the Indian-designed Kavach safety system and green propulsion technologies intended to support the rail sector’s decarbonisation goals.
The introduction of the D9 locomotives is aligned with Indian Railways’ wider plan to enhance freight capacity, adopt modern systems and reduce the environmental footprint of transport across the country’s extensive rail network.
Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, said:The D9 is a symbol of sustainable progress and will increase the share of freight transported by rail in one of the largest freight markets in the world. The locomotives have the potential to replace up to 800,000 trucks and save over 800 million tons of CO₂ emissions over its lifecycle. Together with Indian Rail, we are setting new standards in rail efficiency and environmental sustainability.
