Dahod: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated a new locomotive manufacturing plant in Dahod, Gujarat, marking a step forward in India’s push to scale up railway infrastructure and enhance freight movement.

Joined by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Prime Minister also flagged off the first electric locomotive built at the facility. The event was part of his two-day visit to Gujarat from 26 to 27 May.

The Dahod plant is designed to manufacture 9,000 HP electric locomotives. These high-powered engines are expected to boost Indian Railways’ freight capacity while cutting down on energy use, thanks to regenerative braking systems. The facility is aimed at serving both domestic and export needs.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the factory is part of a broader vision to expand connectivity and build modern transport infrastructure across the country.

Later in the day, the Prime Minister is set to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for development projects worth over Rs 24,000 crore in Dahod. These include railway infrastructure upgrades and various initiatives by the Gujarat government.

He will also flag off two new train services — the Veraval–Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express and the Valsad–Dahod Express.

Ahead of the event, Modi held a roadshow in Vadodara, greeted by cheering crowds waving flags and singing patriotic songs.

“Thank you, Vadodara! Extremely delighted to be in this great city. It was a splendid roadshow, and that too in the morning! Gratitude to all those who showered their blessings,” he posted on X.

BI Bureau