Janfar Abdulai, Minister of Transport and Communication, Mozambique today flagged off two 3000 HP Cape Gauge Locomotives, developed by Indian Railways, to Mozambique. The locomotives are built by Banaras Locomotive Works, Varanasi, for the government of Mozambique. The Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO) and Rail India Technical and Economic Service Limited (RITES) have modified the locomotive design to suit the Cape Gauge. The 3000 HP diesel- electric locomotive is fitted with two Co-Co bogies, 12-710G3B diesel engine and AC/AC transmission suitable for operation on Cape gauge.
The locomotive is fitted with Six BHEL MakeAC model traction motors. The locomotive is capable of continuous operation under ambient temperature of 45 degree centigrade with occasional peak value of 55 degree centigrade, at an altitude of 2000 meter above Sea level, humidity up to 100%, maximum temperature of 55 degree centigrade and a minimum temperature of -100 degree centigrade. The locos are capable of travelling 100 kms per hour and can carry a load of 2255 tonnes.
This delivery is within the 9 months of signing the documents between RITES and Mozambique and 3 months ahead of the schedule. The complete shipment of the Mozambique order is expected by June 2021.
As per the Officials, the Mozambique order is for six locomotives which are being built at Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) in Varanasi. In addition, the Modern Coach Factory in Raebareli, is manufacturing 76 stainless steel coaches and 30 Electric Multiple Units for Mozambique. The locomotive has an air-conditioned cabin, bio vacuum toilet, refrigerator, hot plate and ergonomic seats. Mozambique has also ordered 1,485 wheels and axles from Rail Wheel Factory in Yelahanka in 2020 which are being used for the larger export order from Mozambique.
This is the second time India is exporting locomotives to Mozambique. In 2009, India began shipping 2,400 HP Cape Gauge Locomotives to Mozambique and were built by the Golden Rock Railway Workshop (GOC).