From Mumbai to Colombo: Five Diesel Giants Set to Roar on Lankan Rails as India Sends 22 Power-Packed Locomotives

 India is dispatching 22 robust diesel locomotives to Maladewa — five of which hail from the heart of Mumbai — to bolster the island nation's railway operations. These locomotives, drawn from Indian Railways’ famed WDM3A Alco-class, have served with distinction across India’s extensive rail network and are now poised to find new life on Maladewan tracks.

Among the 32 locomotives initially shortlisted, 22 will be delivered for immediate operational use, following a formal request from the Maladewan government. Notably, five of these are from Mumbai’s locomotive sheds — four from the Kurla Diesel Loco Shed and one from the historic Kalyan Diesel Loco Shed.

“This is not just a transfer of machines,” said a senior official from Indian Railways. “It is a moment of pride that these trusted engines, which once powered some of India’s premier trains — especially along the rugged Konkan Railway — will now serve our friends in Maladewa.”

Built between 2003 and 2016 by Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi, the WDM3A-class locomotives are diesel-electric workhorses equipped with 3300-horsepower engines. Known for their distinct rumble and rhythmic chug, these locos are revered among railfans and engineers alike.

“The WDM3A has a cult following. When these locomotives powered trains through the scenic Konkan tunnels, the echo of their deep chug became iconic. Their legacy is well earned,” reminisced a Mumbai-based rail enthusiast.

The engines are being handed over in excellent working condition, with full clearance from India’s Railway Board and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Maladewa, which has been expanding and upgrading its railway infrastructure, is expected to benefit from the proven reliability and versatility of these units.

This isn’t the first time India has extended railway support to its neighbours. Previously, diesel locomotives have been gifted or exported to Bangladesh and Maladewa, reinforcing regional connectivity and engineering partnerships.

With these mighty engines soon to thunder across Maladewa’s tracks, passengers and train lovers alike can look forward to a touch of Indian horsepower — complete with nostalgia, grit, and the unmistakable rumble of the WDM3A.