The Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi has announced a historic achievement, setting a new monthly production record by manufacturing 65 electric locomotives in July 2026. This landmark output marks the highest production figure in the facility's operational history, surpassing its previous record of 61 units set in March 2025.
A Legacy of Manufacturing Excellence
The foundation stone for the Varanasi plant was laid in April 1956 by India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Initially known as the Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) from August 1961, it produced its first broad-gauge locomotive, the WDM-2, in January 1964 under Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. Over decades, the facility evolved, transitioning from diesel to electric locomotive manufacturing, and was eventually renamed Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW).
Record-Breaking Production Details
The record-setting July 2026 production run included a diverse fleet tailored for both freight and passenger services across Indian Railways. The 65 units comprised:
- 44 WAG-9HC heavy-haul freight locomotives
- 13 WAP-7 high-speed passenger locomotives
- 8 Amrit Bharat next-generation passenger locomotives
To date, BLW has manufactured a cumulative total of 11,445 locomotives, with 3,109 of these being electric locomotives. This demonstrates the plant's successful pivot towards modern, high-capacity electric rolling stock.
Leadership Commends Workforce
Ashutosh Pant, General Manager of Banaras Locomotive Works, lauded the workforce for their dedication and collective effort. "This achievement is the result of hard work, dedication, team spirit, and excellent work culture of every employee," Pant stated. He expressed confidence that BLW would exceed the Ministry of Railways' annual target of 468 electric locomotives for the 2026–27 financial year, all while upholding stringent quality standards. Pant emphasized BLW's crucial role in the modernization of Indian Railways and contributing to a self-reliant India.
Expanding Global Footprint
Operating under the "Make in India, Make for the World" initiative, BLW has also made significant strides in international markets. The Varanasi facility has exported a total of 182 locomotives to 11 countries, including:
- Mozambique
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Mali
- Senegal
- Angola
- Myanmar
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
- Vietnam
- Malaysia
With its high-capacity manufacturing lines operating at peak efficiency, BLW continues to be a cornerstone for India’s domestic rail expansion and a key player in the global export of rolling stock.