Amrit Bharat Loco Production: Somesh Kumar Inspects BLW Varanasi
In a significant move to bolster indigenous manufacturing, Somesh Kumar, the Additional Member (Traction) of the Railway Board, conducted an extensive inspection of the Amrit Bharat locomotive production process at the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi on October 3, 2026.
The visit was aimed at evaluating the technical prowess and manufacturing readiness of the facility as it works to meet the evolving needs of the national rail network.
Deep Dive into Manufacturing Facilities
During his tour of the BLW premises, Kumar meticulously inspected several critical production units. His inspection covered the following key areas:
- Loco Frame Shop: Examining the structural foundation of the locomotives.
- Loco Assembly Shop: Observing the integration of various components.
- Loco Test Shops: Ensuring all technical parameters meet safety and performance standards.
A major focus of the inspection was the technical design and production of the Amrit Bharat locomotive's cab. Kumar reviewed the modern technological standards, production methodologies, and the stringent safety protocols currently implemented at the facility to ensure high-quality output.
Strategic Review for Enhanced Capacity
Following the physical inspection of the production lines, a high-level review meeting was convened in the Kirti Hall of the administrative building. Chaired by Somesh Kumar, the meeting served as a platform to assess BLW's overall production performance and quality control measures.
The discussions centered on the necessity of enhancing production capacity and the seamless integration of advanced manufacturing techniques. This strategic push is essential to support the broader goals of Indian Railways in providing efficient and modern locomotive power.
Key Officials in Attendance
The inspection and subsequent review session were attended by a distinguished group of railway officials, including:
- Manish Kumar (Principal Chief Electrical Engineer)
- Arvind Kumar Jain (Chief Electrical Engineer - Loco)
- Anurag Gupta (Chief Design Engineer - Electrical)
- Bhardwaj Chaudhary (Chief Electrical Engineer - Inspection)
- Praveen Kumar (Chief Design Engineer - Diesel)
- Ram Janam Chaubey (Chief Mechanical Engineer - Production & Marketing)
- Amit Verma (Chief Materials Manager - Loco)
- Dr. Sunil Kumar (Principal Chief Medical Officer)
- Viveksheel (Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer)
- Alok Agrawal (Principal Chief Materials Manager)
- Muktesh Mittal (Principal Financial Adviser)
This visit highlights the Railway Board's unwavering commitment to indigenous development and the implementation of passenger-centric designs across the country.