ABB has won an order for the supply of 1,600 traction transformers to Alstom for 800 new electric freight locomotives in India.

The company will manufacture the transformers in its Vadodara facility located in the Indian state of Gujarat.

Alstom is supplying these double section freight electric locomotives to Indian Railways as part of a €3bn contract awarded by the Ministry of Railways.

The locomotives are planned to be delivered between 2018 and 2028.

With the new locomotives in place, Indian Railways will be able to expand its capacity and ease congestion on busy routes for freight as well as passenger services.

Indian Railways, which is operated under single management, moves more than 12,500 trains and 23 million passengers daily.

Under the agreement, ABB will supply 25kV/50Hz underframe traction transformers for the 800 locomotives.

Designed for demanding conditions, including extreme temperatures and voltage fluctuations, the compact transformers will support heavy freight loads over long distance haulage under rigorous conditions.

“Investments planned in the railways will shape the direction of economic growth in India.”

ABB India CEO and managing director Sanjeev Sharma said: “The scale of this order is a recognition of our ability to deliver technologically advanced reliable products, locally and to cater to evolving customer needs.

“ABB has been a long term partner for Indian Railways and Alstom. Investments planned in the railways will shape the direction of economic growth in India, paving the way for next level innovative technologies to be designed, adapted and manufactured in the country.”

Traction transformers of ABB feed power at safe voltages to train functions such as traction, brakes, lighting, heating and ventilation, as well as passenger information, signaling and communication.

The company manufactures these transformers at its plants in Switzerland, India and China.