Hirect Advances Heavy Haul Capability with Successful Loaded Run of 6,000 HP Locomotive Propulsion System

Global rail systems leader introduces internally developed traction inverter/converter and control software for propulsion; Eyes North American locomotive hybrid and retrofit markets.

OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hirect, a premier global manufacturer of heavy-duty electrical and power electronic components for rolling stock, today announced the successful integration and first loaded test run of its 6,000 HP electric locomotive propulsion system. The entirely internally designed and manufactured system includes the traction inverter/converter controller and software, and interfaces with cab controls and displays. The new propulsion system, mounted in a WAG-9 locomotive, successfully hauled a loaded freight train.

Hirect, which dominates the Indian market for highly ruggedized, underslung traction transformers, and commands a major share of the Indian market for traction motors, auxiliary converters, hotel load converters, and rolling-stock HVAC, designed the new propulsion system to address the severe duty cycles and demanding Indian thermal operating environment. The system incorporates Hirect’s custom liquid-cooled insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) traction converters and internally developed control software.

The platform’s seamless integration and operation represents a profound turning point for new, retrofit and hybrid locomotive engineering. Hirect is debuting this complete, modular subsystem capability to the North American market at the Railway Interchange 2026 exposition in Omaha, June 2^nd-4^th.

"Achieving a flawless dynamic operation and pulling a fully loaded freight train utilizing our own proprietary propulsion system represents a major milestone," said Suramya Nevatia, Chairman of Hirect. "We anticipate that this system, and custom modifications of it, will add value and flexibility to North American retrofitters and innovators designing the next generation of alternative-energy, hybrid, and fuel-efficient diesel-to-electric locomotive platforms."

Delegates, rolling stock builders, and powertrain development engineers attending the Railway Interchange 2026 show in Omaha are invited to meet with Hirect technical specialists to explore how its components, subsystems, and propulsion technology can accelerate fuel-efficient hybrid and decarbonized heavy rail programs.

ABOUT HIND RECTIFIERS LIMITED (HIRECT)

Established in 1958 in collaboration with Westinghouse Brake & Signal (UK), Hind Rectifiers Limited (NSE: HIRECT) is a pioneer and market leader in the design, development, and manufacturing of high-end power semiconductors, power electronics, and traction propulsion aggregates for the railway transportation and heavy industrial sectors. Headquartered in Mumbai, India, with world-class, ISO-certified manufacturing facilities, Hirect designs and manufactures fully integrated power conversion systems, traction transformers, auxiliary converters, and propulsion subsystems that power heavy freight and high-speed passenger rail networks globally.