In 4th visit to poll-bound state this year, PM Modi to flag off first made-in-India locomotive to be exported from Bihar factory
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to arrive in Siwan on Friday in his fourth visit to poll-bound Bihar this year.
There, he is scheduled to flag off the first made-in-India diesel locomotive to be exported from the Marhaura railway factory. The locomotive will be exported to the West African nation of Guinea.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate and lay foundation stones for several development projects, worth a total of Rs 9,145 crore, during his Siwan visit.
Officials said, however, that the highlight would be the feat of the Marhaura factory, which they said is now spearheading a new era of industrial resurgence. The factory, officially known as Diesel Locomotive Factory, Marhaura, was established in September 2018. It is a joint venture between GE Transportation (now part of Wabtec) and Indian Railways.
The recent deal with Guinea, titled 'Project KOMO', involves the export of 140 diesel engines valued at around Rs 3,000 crore.
A Railways official said, 'This moment marks a historic milestone. For the first time, a manufacturing unit based in Bihar is exporting heavy locomotive engines to the global market, firmly placing India on the map as a global railway manufacturing hub. This achievement echoes the vision of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, translating policy into tangible, global impact. With the slogan 'Make in Bihar – Make for the World', Saran is transforming from a small town to a symbol of India's manufacturing capability.'
In his previous visits to Bihar this year, Prime Minister Modi had visited Bhagalpur, Madhubani and Vikramganj (in Rohtas). A BJP leader said, 'In election year, the PM has been travelling to every Bihar region, telling people about the central government's mega projects for the state. We are expecting more Bihar visits by the PM in the coming months.'
Santosh Singh is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express since June 2008. He covers Bihar with main focus on politics, society and governance. Investigative and explanatory stories are also his forte. Singh has 25 years of experience in print journalism covering Bihar, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.
... Read More
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
25 minutes ago
- Indian Express
PM Modi's ‘Jungle Raj' dig at RJD, Congress in Bihar: Top quotes from Siwan rally
Ahead of the Bihar assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday took a swipe at Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo and former CM Lalu Prasad Yadav and the Congress party while addressing a rally in Bihar's Siwan. Top quotes from PM Modi's speech: 📌'Bihar became a symbol of poverty under the rule of 'Panja' (Congress) and 'Laltern' (RJD)… They looted so much that poverty became Bihar's misfortune' 📌'RJD and Congress actions are anti-Bihar and anti-investment. Whenever they talk about development, people see locks hanging on shops, businesses, industries and trades… These people have been the nurturers of poor infrastructure, mafia raj, gunda raj, and corruption…' 📌'The NDA government has brought Bihar back on the path of development' 📌'The people of Bihar have ended 'jungle raj' created by Congress, RJD.' 📌 'Those who brought 'jungle raj' to Bihar are looking for an opportunity to repeat their old deeds somehow. People who are ready to put the brake on the journey towards a prosperous Bihar have to be kept at bay,' he said. 📌'Congress's 'License Raj' kept Bihar poor for a long time… the Dalit and backwards communities were the biggest victims of this. Some families became millionaires and billionaires by showing these people false dreams of being free from poverty…' 📌'RJD insulted Babasaheb Ambedkar, people of Bihar will never forgive its leaders' 📌 'We say 'Sabka saath, sabka vikas' but RJD believes in 'parivaar ka vikas'' The PM launched 28 development projects worth more than Rs 5,900 crore. He inaugurated the new Vaishali–Deoria railway line project, built at a cost of over Rs 400 crore, and flagged off a new train service on this route. Additionally, in a major boost to connectivity in north Bihar, Modi also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Patliputra (Patna) and Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah. He promoted the 'Make in India – Make for the World' initiative. He also flagged off a state-of-the-art locomotive built at Marhowra plant for export to the Republic of Guinea.
India Today
31 minutes ago
- India Today
HAL to manufacture, launch Isro-developed SSLV, technology trasfer to begin
In a landmark move for India's space sector, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has officially transferred the Indian Space Research Organisation's (Isro) Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).This transfer empowers HAL to take charge of manufacturing, marketing, and launching the SSLV for commercial small satellite missions, marking a new era of private sector participation in India's space contract will be signed between HAL, Isro, NSIL and In-Space to begin the transfer process. The SSLV, developed by Isro, is designed to provide cost-effective, on-demand launches for satellites weighing up to 500 kg into low Earth flexibility and rapid turnaround make it ideal for the booming global market of small satellites, which are increasingly used for communications, earth observation, and transfer of SSLV technology is seen as a strategic step to boost India's share in the global satellite launch market, which is projected to grow significantly in the coming years."Our vision is to drive the growth of the space sector through increased private participation. We're focusing on the small satellite launch market, with the SSLV now fully proven. Startups like Skyroot and Agnikul are gearing up for their first orbital launches, and within the next two years, we aim to establish a robust, battle-tested small satellite launch capability. To support this, we are developing a third launch pad, setting up a manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu, and building the necessary infrastructure to make India a globally attractive destination for small satellite launches," IN-Space Chairman Pawan Goenka said. advertisementHe added that the goal is to achieve a launch every two weeks. "Market share will ultimately be determined by performance, competitiveness, rocket reliability, and cost-effectiveness of these three organisations," Goenka the agreement, HAL will not only manufacture the SSLV but also handle its commercial operations, including marketing and launch services for domestic and international is the first time India has fully privatised a launch vehicle program, going beyond manufacturing contracts to grant a private entity end-to-end responsibility for a national move follows a rigorous selection process. The final competition was between Alpha Design, HAL and Bharat Dynamics. HAL won the contract with a bid amount of Rs 500 will provide HAL with the full design know-how and technical support during the initial is expected to build the first two SSLVs with Isro's assistance before independently manufacturing and launching subsequent technology transfer includes not just hardware but also the operational expertise required to assemble, integrate, and launch the collaboration is expected to accelerate India's ambitions in the commercial space sector, enabling faster, more frequent launches and attracting global customers seeking reliable and affordable satellite successful handover of SSLV technology to HAL is a testament to India's maturing space industry and the government's commitment to fostering innovation and private enterprise in Watch
India Today
32 minutes ago
- India Today
Honda City Sport launched at Rs 14.89 Lakh; limited edition with sporty flair
Honda Cars India Limited (HCIL) has launched the City Sport at Rs 14,88,900 (ex-showroom), a new variant of the sedan. Infused with a sportier identity and enhanced visual flair, the City Sport is a limited edition offering that brings a bold refresh to the City City Sport is crafted for those who carry a zest for individuality and spirited living. The car features a series of aggressive visual upgrades and thoughtful cabin enhancements, designed to appeal to a generation that seeks a statement on the the exterior, the City Sport makes an immediate impression with a gloss black front grille, black trunk lip spoiler, black shark fin antenna, and a special Sport emblem. Blacked-out ORVMs and new multi-spoke grey alloy wheels add further to its athletic presence. Offered in three shades -- Radiant Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Meteoroid Gray Metallic. Step inside, and the cabin greets you with an all-black interior theme enriched with red contrast stitching across the leather seats, soft-touch door inserts, and steering wheel. The sporty ambience is elevated with black roof lining, red dashboard accents, and glossy black AC vents. The standout feature remains the 7-colour ambient lighting, curated to amplify the sporty aesthetic and create a premium in-cabin the hood, the City Sport retains Honda's 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, now E20 fuel compliant. It delivers 121bhp of power and 145Nm of torque, mated to a CVT with paddle shifters and has a claimed fuel efficiency of 18.4 km/ terms of safety, the City Sport gets Honda Sensing, the brand's advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), which adds intuitive safety features for a more confident on the launch, Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India said, "The new City Sport has been crafted to meet the aspirations of young buyers who value individuality and a spirited driving experience. It embodies a perfect blend of sporty exterior and interior style, fun to drive performance and the everyday usability that Honda City is known for, at a price that makes it even more compelling."With limited units available, the City Sport stands as a refreshed offering for those who want the practicality of a sedan without compromising on style, sportiness, or to Auto Today Magazine
