In the heart of Bihar, a remarkable ‘Make in India’ success story unfolds. The Madhepura Electric Locomotive Private Limited (MELPL) stands as a beacon of opportunity, a joint venture between the Indian Railways and French company Alstom. This collaboration has brought about remarkable transformations in a previously isolated town.
At MELPL, young individuals like Sanjana, Gudiya, Rohit, Priti, and Bipin have been given the chance to step into a brighter future. They represent the first generation in their locality to join the workforce at this state-of-the-art locomotive factory. Their journeys are motivating, as they’ve embraced fresh opportunities, acquiring technical skills and even mastering the English language along the way.
MELPL has taken the ‘Make in India’ initiative to heart, producing robust 12,000-horsepower locomotives for heavy-duty hauling. Their achievements are impressive, with 360 high-horsepower locomotives already rolled out by September, and a monthly target of 9 to 10 locomotives, with the aim to produce 100 each year. But MELPL’s impact goes beyond the factory floor. The local community has observed the positive transformation. A new market complex has emerged in Madhepura, eliminating the need for residents to travel to Patna for their daily needs. Safety, punctuality, and ongoing technological progress take precedence, creating an energetic atmosphere within the factory.
MELPL’s significance extends to the welfare of the local population. They are deeply committed to investing in education, healthcare, empowering women, and enhancing skills in the seven neighboring villages, positively impacting the lives of over 25,000 individuals. As India moves towards 100% electrification and sustainable mobility, these locomotives play a crucial role. These locomotives not only cut down operating expenses for the Indian Railways but also play a substantial role in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Inside the factory, a dynamic multi-color dashboard continuously monitors the progress of locomotive manufacturing, from the initial stages to the final delivery to the Railways. It’s a symbol of transparency and efficiency. The ‘Make in India’ spirit has also sparked indigenization, resulting in over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. This initiative has turned Madhepura into a thriving hub of locomotive manufacturing and offers hope to a region where the majority of the population resides in rural areas.
These 12,000-horsepower locomotives are instrumental in the success of the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), enhancing freight transportation efficiency on the Eastern DFC and its feeder routes. The factory’s contributions extend to the state Treasury through goods and service tax (GST). In the vast landscape of Bihar, the Madhepura factory stands as a testament to the transformative power of ‘Make in India,’ proving that life can be what you make of it.
