Delays of several hours: Passenger trains using slower freight locos amid shortage
Indian Railways is experiencing significant passenger train delays due to a shortage of specialized passenger locomotives, forcing the use of slower freight engines. The Ministry of Railways is responding by accelerating production plans for new passenger locomotives over the next two years.
Why it matters
Infrastructure and logistics challenges in large-scale public transport systems directly impact the daily lives of millions of commuters and national economic efficiency.
Indian Railways seems to be running short of locomotives to run its passenger trains, prompting the national transporter to make use of locos for freight trains. A shortage of locomotives meant for passenger services has forced Indian Railways to deploy slower freight engines on passenger trains, resulting in delays running into several hours, according to railway records.The Railway Ministry, however, said it was accelerating efforts to expand locomotive production. It has approved 492 passenger locomotives for 2026-27 and another 187 for 2027-28, taking the total to 679 over the two financial years.“The 2026-27 programme includes 326 WAP-7 locomotives and 166 WAP-7 locos.
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