Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Transportation and the CEO of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways, Jabbar-Ali Zakeri, visited the MAPNA Locomotive Engineering and Manufacturing Company (MLC) on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
The visit aimed to assess the company’s capabilities in designing and manufacturing various types of locomotives, including freight, passenger, and tunnel locomotives.
During the tour, the delegation reviewed the final production stages of the 3,000-horsepower MAP24 and 4,000-horsepower MAP30 freight locomotives. The visit covered different production areas, including assembly.
A notable achievement highlighted was the completion of the final unit from a contract for 50 MAP24 freight locomotives, produced for Mobarakeh Steel Company.
Additionally, the MAP30 locomotives, commissioned by Chadormalu Mining and Industrial Company, are in the final testing phase.
Answering rail fleet needs from domestic production
Speaking during the visit, Minister Sadegh pointed to the need to leverage domestic engineering and manufacturing capacities.
Touching upon the existing gaps in the country’s passenger and freight rail fleets, she said that part of this need is being answered through imports, but another section relies significantly on domestic production of locomotives and railcars.
Furthermore, she stressed the ministry’s commitment to supporting local producers like MAPNA Group in modernizing Iran’s transportation infrastructure.
Achieving development goals depends on financing and debt collection: MAPNA Group President
MAPNA Group President Mohammad Owliya also addressed the meeting, noting that the purpose of the visit by the delegation was to provide a deeper understanding of the MLC’s capabilities in the transportation industry.
Referring to the contract for producing 3,000-horsepower MAP24 freight locomotives with Mobarakeh Steel Company, he announced that the minister’s visit came as the 50th and final MAP24 freight locomotive under this contract is ready for delivery.
“Just as the Seventh Development Plan highlights the transportation and rail industries, MAPNA Group is committed to expanding its production in related sectors. However, the realization of these goals is contingent on securing adequate financing and collecting outstanding debts from both public and private entities,” he said.
Hoping to see an accelerated process for debt collection based on projections from the country’s budget law for next year, Owliya said that the conglomerate is “determined to play an even more active role in the transportation sector through robust financial support.”
Discussing MAPNA Group’s international activities, he noted that the conglomerate maintains direct and active partnerships in the rail transportation sector with several CIS countries, focusing primarily on railcars and, to a lesser extent, locomotives. “We hope to achieve even more positive outcomes in the export market.”
Ali Emam, Head of MAPNA Mobility, stressed adherence to international production standards, reporting that 75 MAP24 locomotives have been delivered to date, with 10 MAP30 units currently under production.
Leila Mousavi Mahallati, Deputy Economic Director of MAPNA Mobility, opened the session with an overview of MAPNA’s achievements in the transportation sector and answered questions from attendees.
MAPNA Locomotive Engineering, a key subsidiary of MAPNA Group, is also preparing to enter the capital market.
More about MAP24 and MAP30 locomotives
The MAP24 is a 3,000-horsepower freight locomotive developed by MAPNA Group, designed to meet the demands of heavy cargo transportation within Iran’s rail network. Built under a contract with Mobarakeh Steel Company, one of Iran’s largest steel producers, the MAP24 is known for its robust performance and efficiency in freight operations.
The locomotive has been produced in significant quantities, with 50 units delivered under the initial contract, and it features advanced engineering tailored to enhance fuel efficiency, durability, and reliability in diverse climatic conditions.
The MAP30 is a more powerful 4,000-horsepower freight locomotive, currently in the final stages of production and testing. It has been developed in response to the needs of Chadormalu Mining and Industrial Company, focusing on heavy-duty freight transport, particularly in the mining sector.
The MAP30 boasts upgraded technological features, greater hauling capacity, and improved performance metrics compared to its predecessor, the MAP24.
Its design incorporates advanced safety systems, energy efficiency enhancements, and compliance with international rail transport standards, making it suitable for both domestic use and potential export markets.
