PM flags off India’s most powerful locomotive engine

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The projects are aimed at positioning the tribal-dominated region as a rising industrial powerhouse. The day also marked the 10th anniversary of Modi’s first swearing-in as Prime Minister.

“This is not just the flagging off of a locomotive, but the launch of a new era of industrial self-reliance,” he said. He also highlighted the successful rollout of a 9,000-horsepower (HP) electric engine from the Dahod Electric Locomotive Factory, a project he had laid the foundation for three years ago.

As Gujarat’s rail network is now fully electrified, Dahod’s new manufacturing capacity is expected to generate substantial local employment. The facility will produce hundreds of high-power engines, each bearing Dahod’s name. It will also support small industries through the production of ancillary components.

Apart from the locomotive launch, Modi inaugurated a new Vande Bharat Express between Ahmedabad and Veraval and unveiled multiple rail routes, including the Dahod–Valsad Express, which will enhance connectivity across Gujarat’s tribal belt.

The Prime Minister emphasised that strong rail infrastructure not only connects people, but empowers agriculture and industries. “India now exports metro and train coaches to countries like Australia, England and Saudi Arabia. Besides, we are exporting ‘Made in India’ locomotives to nations across Asia, Africa and Europe,” Modi said, framing India’s industrial rise as a global narrative.

The Prime Minister attributed the transformation of Dahod from a backward district to an aspirational district to targeted investments in education, infrastructure and healthcare.

He spoke of ongoing efforts such as the PM Janman Yojana and the ‘Dhartii Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’, aimed at uplifting tribal communities through housing, sanitation, roads, and schools in over 60,000 villages across the country.

Additionally, Modi highlighted the government’s national mission to eliminate sickle cell anaemia, affecting tribal populations, and infrastructure initiatives bringing the Narmada water to drought-prone areas, which now irrigates over 11 lakh acres of land.

“The progress in Dahod is personal to me. From cycling here in my youth to launching the country’s most powerful engine, this journey reflects the spirit of a rising India,” the PM said.

He said he envisions Gujarat’s Dahod, Vadodara, Kalol and Halol emerging as a high-tech corridor, bringing development, inclusivity and industrial growth. With aircraft assembly lines in Vadodara and setting up of semiconductor plants underway, I envision a future where this belt will produce everything from bicycles to jets, he stated.