VARANASI: A five-member delegation from South Africa, led by Shivapragasen Naidoo, Chief Executive Officer of Tsiko Africa Energy & Infrastructure, South Africa, visited Banaras Locomotive Works on Monday to review the facilities and capabilities of loco manufacturing at BLW. The main objective of the visit by the South African delegation was to purchase 3100 horsepower broad gauge Alco locomotives serving in Indian Railways after conversion to Cape gauge. The delegation gathered technical information about the locomotives and observed the production and design capabilities of BLW.The chief mechanical engineer-production and marketing, Sunil Kumar, welcomed the delegation upon their arrival at BLW. Later, the principal chief electrical engineer, Sushil Kumar Srivastava, met the delegation in the presence of senior officers.According to the BLW spokesperson, the delegation visited workshops including the Light Machine Shop, Sub Assembly Shop, Engine Erection Shop, Engine Test Shop, Loco Frame Shop, Loco Assembly Shop, Loco Test Shop, and New Block Shop. They became aware of the various stages of loco manufacturing.After the workshop visit, a detailed presentation was given to the delegation on BLW’s production processes, manufacturing facilities, and current projects through a PowerPoint presentation. They were informed about BLW’s history, manpower efficiency, and its capability in locomotive manufacturing.
