Indian Railways steps up global export drive

Indian Railways, long regarded as the backbone of India’s domestic transport network, is now fast-tracking its efforts to carve out a global footprint. Under the leadership of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the organization has launched an ambitious export drive aimed at positioning India as a trusted supplier of world-class railway equipment.

This initiative is closely aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India, Make for the World” vision, which calls for Indian industry to not only meet domestic needs but also compete on the international stage.

From Domestic Giant to Global Player

Once focused primarily on building for India’s vast passenger and freight operations, Indian Railways is now actively exporting a wide range of products, including bogies, passenger coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems. These exports are built with a “Make for the World” standard—emphasizing innovation, safety, and durability to meet global benchmarks.

Expanding Export Portfolio

Indian Railways’ export basket has diversified significantly in recent years:

• Train bogies manufactured in India are now serving rail networks in the UK, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia.
• Propulsion systems, critical for powering modern trains, are being exported to France, Mexico, Romania, Spain, Germany, and Italy.
• Passenger coaches, built using indigenous designs and technology, have found markets in Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
• Made-in-India locomotives are running in Mozambique, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and the Republic of Guinea.

Locomotives: A Symbol of Progress

One of the most striking examples of India’s export momentum has come from the Marhowra Locomotive Manufacturing Plant in Bihar. In June 2025, Prime Minister Modi flagged off the first locomotive from this facility for export to the Republic of Guinea. Since then, six locomotives manufactured at Marhowra have been successfully delivered overseas.

These shipments, officials note, highlight India’s growing capability to supply large-scale, complex rolling stock that meets international standards.

Supporting Global Rail Infrastructure

Beyond the symbolic value, these exports play a vital role in strengthening rail networks in developing and emerging economies. By supplying passenger coaches to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka or locomotives to African nations such as Mozambique, Senegal, and Guinea, India is contributing to the expansion of safe, reliable, and modern transport systems abroad.

For partner nations, the appeal lies in the combination of affordability and quality. Indian railway equipment is cost-competitive while being engineered to withstand demanding operating conditions—a value proposition that resonates strongly with countries seeking to modernise infrastructure without overshooting budgets.

Driving Self-Reliance and Global Recognition

Indian Railways’ export success reflects a larger story of self-reliance in the sector. Over the past decade, India has invested heavily in localising railway technology—from manufacturing high-horsepower locomotives to developing sophisticated propulsion systems. This domestic capability is now translating into global competitiveness.

Industry observers expect Indian Railways’ export footprint to widen further in the coming years. With continued investment in manufacturing capacity, strong government support, and growing global demand for reliable transport infrastructure, India is well-positioned to strengthen its standing as a major exporter in the rail sector.

From bogies in Europe to locomotives in Africa, Indian Railways is not just connecting the nation anymore—it is helping power the trains of tomorrow around the world.