Alstom was awarded a Rs 230bn ($US 3.5bn) contract in November 2015 to supply 800 double-unit WAG12 (Prima T8) electric locomotives to IR. The deal included construction of the Madhepura plant under a 75:26 joint venture between Alstom and IR.

Alstom says the first two bodyshells have arrived at Madhepura and the first locomotive will roll out of the plant early next year. Five locomotives will be delivered to IR by 2019, followed by another 35 units in 2020, 60 in 2021, and 100 every year thereafter.

The 101 hectare site currently employs 70 people and the workforce will be expanded by 25% a year until the plant reaches full capacity.

Alstom says the plant aims to employ local young people to support the socio-economic development of Madhepura.

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