New Delhi: India has become the first country outside United States to manufacture a 4,000 horse power new generation microprocessor-controlled diesel locomotive capable of hauling 58 BOX 'N' wagons.

"The indigenously manufactured 4,000 horse power diesel locomotive at the Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi is the only freight locomotive of the Indian Railways capable of hauling 58 BOX 'N' Wagons," an official release said today (Feb 24, 2004).

It was for the first time that such a locomotive was manufactured outside the General Motors factory in the United States, it said, adding that it can run for three months without maintenance.

The Indian Railways have completed successful trials for the introduction of a passenger train at 150 kms per hour speed with WDP4 class General Motors locomotive on the Konkan Railway.

Besides, it said Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) for short distance inter-city commuter traffic have been introduced.

Railways have also energised electrification of 148.07 kilometres during the period ending October 2003 in the current financial year. The routes were Jahanabad-Patna (48.80 kms), Lakkadkot-Dhekwad (74.87 kms), Talcher Yard (2.40 kms) and Phagwara-Jalandhar (22 kms).

In addition, the Railways introduced commercial service on 615 kilometres during the period, it said.