Saran: Bihar’s much awaited Railway Engine Factory at Marhaura in Saran district of Bihar has got green signal with the financial bid for the plant to be opened on September 1. 2 big multinational organizations, GE and EMD are competing to build the plant. It would be a joint venture with Indian Railways and will produce 4500 HP and 6,000 HP diesel locomotives using state-of-the-art technology.
Former Rail Minister Lalu Prasad had proposed Rail diesel Engine factory in Marhaura, Saran. Subsequently, the land was acquired but construction work could not be started.
The administrative hurdles for the Marhaura locomotive plant was solved after the Union Government With the government allowed 100 per cent FDI in the railway sector, last year.
Upon commissioning, the Marhaura Rail Engine plant is expected to manufacture nearly 1000 diesel- electric locomotives in a span of 10 years.
While 700 diesel locomotives would be equipped with 4,500 horse power (HP), 300 diesel locomotives will be manufactured with 6,000 HP. These locomotives will be fuel efficient and help mitigate the adverse impact of greenhouse gases.