Patna: Madhepura Electric Locomotive Private Limited (MELPL), a joint venture between Indian Railways and Alstom, has emerged as a major economic driver for Bihar, contributing the equivalent of 1% of the state’s GST collections in FY24 and generating employment for around 2,300 people annually across the country, a study released on Wednesday said.The study, conducted by Dun & Bradstreet, was launched in the presence of East Central Railway general manager Chhatrasal Singh and senior officials of Alstom and MELPL. It assessed the economic and social impact of the Madhepura locomotive manufacturing facility.According to the report, MELPL’s GST contribution in FY24 was equivalent to 1% of Bihar’s total GST collections, while its direct GVA accounted for 4.6% of Madhepura district’s gross district domestic product (GDDP). The facility has also supported an average of 2,300 jobs annually across the country. Its direct workforce represents 12% of all registered factory jobs in Madhepura.Singh said MELPL had contributed significantly to industrial growth and human development in Bihar. “This project has supported India’s freight mobility ambitions while creating substantial value for local communities and the wider economy,” he said.The project has achieved more than 90% localisation, making India the sixth country in the world capable of manufacturing 12,000 HP electric locomotives domestically. The report highlighted MELPL’s role in strengthening the domestic supply chain and advancing freight decarbonisation through WAG-12B locomotives.Through CSR initiatives, MELPL has invested more than Rs 17 crore in Madhepura, providing healthcare services to nearly 10,000 patients, STEAM education to over 2,000 students and livelihood support to more than 1,700 rural residents. The project has also expanded opportunities for women in non-traditional roles, including helping qualify the first female locomotive pilot in Alstom’s Asia-Pacific operations.
