Indian-developed traction systems to be shown to the global ‘customers who need them’ at InnoTrans 2026

INNOTRANS: Indian heavy-duty electrical and power electronic systems manufacturer Hirect will showcase its 6 000 hp locomotive propulsion system at InnoTrans 2026, where it plans to announce the first development order to supply the complete propulsion system for Indian Railways’ next-generation main line electric multiple-unit fleet.

Hirect says it 6 000 hp electric locomotive propulsion system has been designed, engineered and manufactured entirely in-house, including the liquid-cooled IGBT traction inverters/converters and proprietary control software.

Acceptance testing with India’s severe duty cycles and demanding thermal operating environment was completed this year using a WAG-9 freight locomotive. Hirect says this approval opens one of the world’s largest locomotive markets to its modular platform which is intended for new-build, retrofit and hybrid locomotive programmes internationally.

The 24-month development order from Modern Coach Factory will cover the supply of complete propulsion systems for four MEMU trainsets, including traction transformers, traction motors and the train control and management system.

‘These achievements validate the technology roadmap we have been building for years’, said Hirect Chairman & Managing Director Suramya Nevatia. ‘Powering Indian Railways locomotives with a propulsion system designed and produced entirely in-house, and delivering the complete power and control systems for modern trainsets, demonstrates the strength of our R&D and our ability to take responsibility for the whole system — from the dielectric coating on our copper wire to the control software.

‘The products and technologies we have created under the guidance of one of the world’s most demanding railways are ready to serve the burgeoning worldwide demand for high-power electronics and propulsion systems, and InnoTrans is where we intend to meet the customers who need them.’

• Railway Gazette International is the official international media partner for InnoTrans. The 15th InnoTrans will take place from September 22 to 25 2026 at the Messe Berlin exhibition grounds in Germany.