As Indian Railways approaches 100 percent track electrification by 2024, the national transporter has announced plans to retain 2,500 diesel-powered locomotives. These engines will serve strategic and disaster management purposes, ensuring operational resilience in critical situations.

A senior official revealed that the retained fleet would include 1,000 locomotives produced at Wabtec's Marhowra Plant in Bihar and 1,500 High HorsePower (HHP) engines. By the end of September 2024, 650 Wabtec engines have joined the fleet, with their production commencing back in 2018. The HHP locomotives, introduced into the Indian Railways network during 1999-2000, have been a significant part of operations. "The newer diesel locomotives are designed for greater fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and reduced maintenance requirements," the official said, noting that these engines could also be deployed for goods operations. Indian Railways plans to export engines manufactured at its joint venture with Wabtec to African nations starting in 2025.

Currently, Indian Railways operates 2,466 HHP diesel locomotives. While 2,500 of these will remain part of the operational fleet, an additional 966 HHP engines may continue temporarily during the transition phase. Their usage will depend on requirements, technology upgrades, spare availability, emission norms, and age criteria. Additionally, 279 diesel locomotives will remain functional.

As of November, Indian Railways had electrified nearly 97 percent of its network, covering 64,285 route kilometers (RKM) across 20 states and Union Territories. Electrification efforts in states like Rajasthan, West Bengal, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have crossed the 90 percent completion mark. This green transition, while reducing dependency on diesel, is being strategically balanced with a diesel fleet that caters to national exigencies and future export opportunities.