In a significant boost to India's ambitious railway modernisation program, Wabtec Corporation and Siemens have announced a major partnership. Siemens has awarded Wabtec a $157 million contract to supply brake systems for the prestigious 9000HP locomotive project being undertaken by Indian Railways.
This collaboration will equip 1,200 new electric locomotives with Wabtec's cutting-edge brake technology. The deal also includes a 35-year maintenance service agreement, ensuring long-term reliability and support for the locomotives.
"Siemens is committed to transforming India's rail landscape with cutting-edge solutions," said Gunjan Vakharia, Head of Mobility Business for Siemens India. "We are thrilled to partner with Wabtec, a leader in rail technology, to deliver this transformative project and build a world-class railway network for India."
"We are proud to be part of this crucial project, supplying our high-performance ILS series braking system, designed and developed by our talented Indian engineering team," stated Sujatha Narayan, senior vice president and India Region leader for Wabtec Corporation.
“The ILS series of braking system is a product ‘Made in India’, which is designed and developed by the India-based engineering team.”
The chosen brake systems will feature advanced features including improved reliability and reduced maintenance needs. It will also feature critical safety functionalities.
Wabtec are no stranger to the Indian market, with extensive experience in supplying brake systems for Indian Railways and metro projects. The $3 billion 9000HP project will see Siemens manufacture 1,200 locomotives to be used across the Indian Railways network, which, when it was announced in 2023, was the largest single locomotive order in the history of Siemens Mobility.
The locomotives will feature an advanced propulsion system that was developed locally in Siemens Mobility factories in India. Once in service, the 9000HP system will be one of the most powerful locomotives in the world.
Photo Credit: Wabtec
