Chittaranjan Locomotive Works
Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, Western Bengal
Manufactures mainline electric broad gauge locomotives.
Commenced production in 1950; and up to 1972, it was involved in the production of broad gauge and meter gauge steam locomotives. Production of electric locomotives commenced in 1963.
The WG Class steam locomotives were built in collaboration with the North British Locomotive Co. 2,351 were built when production was stopped in 1972-73.
In addition to steam and electric locomotives, CLW also produced narrow gauge (762 mm) diesel locomotives of the ZDM class, meter gauge (1000 mm) diesel locomotives of the YDM class, and broad gauge hydraulic shunting locomotives of the WDS4 class. It also produced few special narrow gauge (2 ft, as in Darjeeling Himalayan Railway) diesel locomotives of the NDM class. Also built for the Kalka-Simla Railway
Production of steam locomotives was discontinued in 1972 when the last steam locomotive, titled 'ANTIM SITARA' (The Last Star), was rolled out. Towards the early 90's, production of diesel locomotives in CLW was discontinued altogether.
Today, Chittaranjan is the largest maker of electric locomotives. The present staff strength of CLW is around 13,000 people making it the biggest unit of the Indian Railways.