The Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi has reached a historic production milestone, manufacturing a record 65 electric locomotives in July 2026. This achievement represents the highest monthly output in the factory’s history, successfully eclipsing the previous record of 61 locomotives established in March 2025. This production surge reinforces BLW’s critical role in bolstering the nation’s rail infrastructure and supporting the national ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Key highlights of the July production milestone include:
- Total production of 65 electric locomotives in a single month.
- Composition: 44 WAG-9HC freight locomotives, 13 WAP-7 passenger locomotives, and 8 Amrit Bharat electric locomotives.
- Surpassing the previous monthly record of 61 units set in March 2025.
- Cumulative historical output now stands at 11,445 locomotives.
A Boost for Indian Railways
Shri Ashutosh Pant, General Manager of BLW, lauded the workforce for their exceptional dedication and collective spirit. He noted that this milestone is a testament to the factory’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and its commitment to modernizing the Indian Railways network. By consistently pushing the boundaries of production, BLW remains a cornerstone of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, ensuring that the country remains self-reliant in its locomotive requirements.
Since its inception, the factory has maintained a strong track record, having produced 3,109 electric locomotives to date. Beyond domestic needs, BLW has also established a global footprint, successfully exporting 182 locomotives to 11 different countries.
Future Targets and Outlook
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Railways has set an ambitious production target of 468 electric locomotives for BLW for the 2026-27 financial year. General Manager Pant expressed strong confidence that the factory is well-positioned to meet this goal ahead of schedule. By maintaining rigorous quality standards while increasing production efficiency, BLW continues to set the benchmark for heavy engineering and industrial excellence within the railway sector. As of August 1, 2026, the facility remains focused on scaling operations to meet the growing demands of India’s rapidly expanding rail network.