In their “Make in India” initiative, Indian Railways started to search partners for local production of modern freight locomotives in 2013. General Electric won the contract for 1,000 diesel locomotives, made up of 700 4,500-hp WDG-4G and 300 6,000-hp WDG-6G. While the first 50 locomotives were built by GE at Erie, Pennsylvania, the Diesel Locomotive Factory was set up at Marhowrah. There, they are to be produced using 70 percent local parts.

The WDG-4G uses the twelve-cylinder variant of the GEVO engine, while its more powerful sister uses the sixteen-cylinder variant. Being UIC tier 1 emissions-compliant and built to comply with the latest crash standards, it was a huge step forward for Indian Railways. Additionally, crew comfort is at new levels for India with climate control, better sound proofing, a water closet, a hot plate and even a cellphone charging socket.