Locomotive Market Sets USD 9.23 Bn in 2025 at 7.23 CAGR

Locomotive Market Demand Surges in 2025 with Government Rail Investments and Clean Energy Push

According to market projections, the locomotive industry is expected to grow from USD 8.32 billion in 2024 to USD 17.94 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 7.23%. North America led the locomotive market in revenue, while Asia Pacific is set to grow rapidly. Electric locomotives and IGBT modules dominated by type and technology, respectively. Passenger use led, though freight and diesel segments show strong future growth.

The locomotive market is expected to increase from USD 9.23 billion in 2025 to USD 17.94 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.23% throughout the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The growing adoption of passenger trains in developing nations along with numerous government initiatives aimed at developing the railway sector is playing a vital role in shaping the industrial landscape.

Additionally, technological advancements in the railway industry coupled with rapid expansion of the logistics sector has contributed drastically to the market expansion. The rising emphasis on developing bullet trains and constant research and development activities related to hydrogen-powered trains is expected to create ample growth opportunities for the market players in the upcoming days.

Locomotive Market Size 2024 - 2034

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Introduction

The locomotive market is a crucial sector of the railways industry. This industry deals in development and distribution of locomotives in different parts of the world. There are different types of locomotives developed in this sector comprising of diesel locomotives, electric locomotives and some others. These locomotives consist of several components including rectifier, inverter, traction motors, alternator, auxiliary power unit and some others. The end-user of this sector comprises of freight, passengers, switchers and some others. This market is expected to rise significantly with the rise of the transportation and logistics sector around the globe.

Highlights of the locomotive market

  • North America generated highest revenue of the locomotive market.
  • Asia Pacific is expected to rise with a significant CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By type, the electric segment held the largest share of the market.
  • By type, the diesel-type segment is expected to rise with a considerable CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By technology, the IGBT module segment led the market.
  • By technology, the SiCpower module segment is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By end-use, the passenger segment held the largest share of the market.
  • By end-use, the freight segment is expected to grow with a considerable CAGR during the forecast period.

The major trends in this market consists of partnerships, government initiatives and integration of AI in modern trains.

Partnerships

  • Numerous railway operators are partnering with locomotive manufacturers to deploy high-quality trains to enhance the travelling experience of passengers.

Government Initiatives

  • Government of several countries such as India, China, Italy, Japan and some others are launching various initiatives to develop the railway infrastructure.

Integration of AI in Modern Trains

The locomotive companies have started integrating AI in modern trains to detect hazards in real time, monitor worker safety, predicting high-risk situations and some others.

Type Insights

How did the Electric Segment led the Locomotive Market in 2025?

The electric segment dominated the market. The growing demand for electric trains in developed nations such as the U.S., China, Japan and some others with an aim at reducing locomotive emission has boosted the market expansion. Additionally, rapid investment by government of several countries to deploy electric trains in their fleets coupled with rise in number of electric locomotive projects is playing a prominent role in shaping the industrial landscape. Moreover, collaborations among train operators and locomotive companies to develop electric trains is expected to boost the growth of the locomotive market.

The diesel-type segment is expected to expand with a considerable CAGR during the forecast period. The rising deployment of high-speed trains in several countries such as Japan, China, Singapore and some others is driving the market growth. Also, the growing demand for diesel-powered locomotives from the logistics sector to enhance transportation of goods is contributing to the industry in a positive direction. Moreover, numerous advantages of these locomotives including versatility, reliability, efficiency and some others is expected to drive the growth of the locomotive market.

Technology Insights

What Made the IGBT Module to be the Most dominant Segment of the Locomotive Market in 2025?

The IGBT module segment held the largest share of the market. The increasing demand for efficient and reliable power electronics solutions in modern rail transportation for several functions such as traction, propulsion, control systems and some others has boosted the market growth. Additionally, numerous advantages of IGBT modules including high voltage and current handling, high efficiency, fast switching speed, modular design and some others is expected to boost the growth of the locomotive market.

The SiCpower module segment is expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing demand for lightweight traction converters in locomotives to improve efficiency and deliver high power has driven the market expansion. Also, the rising application of SiCpower module in high-speed trains such as the Shinkansen and freight locomotives such as Dragon 2 is expected to propel the growth of the locomotive market.

End-Use Insights

Why did the Passenger Segment held the Largest share of the Locomotive Market in 2025?

The passenger segment dominated the market. The rising consumer interest to adopt local passenger trains due to low ticket costs as compared to other modes of transportation has boosted the market expansion. Additionally, rapid investment by market players for developing high-capacity locomotives to deliver superior power in passenger trains coupled with technological advancements in the locomotive manufacturing sector is contributing to the industry in a positive direction. Moreover, the growing adoption of high-speed passenger trains for travelling long-distances is expected to drive the growth of the locomotive market.

The freight segment is expected to rise with a considerable CAGR during the forecast period. The rising emphasis on deploying electric trains for transporting goods from city to another has driven the market growth. Also, numerous government initiatives aimed at developing new freight corridors to enhance freight railways in developing nations is contributing significantly to the industry. Moreover, collaborations among train companies and freight operators to develop powerful locomotives for freight trains is expected to foster the growth of the locomotive market.

Geographical Insights

Locomotive Market Size 2024 - 2034

Why North America dominated the Locomotive Market in 2025?

North America led the locomotive market. The growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions in the U.S. and Canada to reduce emission has boosted the market growth. Additionally, numerous government initiatives aimed at strengthening the railway infrastructure coupled with rapid adoption of railways by logistics sector to transport goods from one region to another is playing a vital role in shaping the industrial landscape. Moreover, the presence of several market players such as Wabtec Corporation, Bombardier Inc, General Electric Company, Republic Locomotive and some others is expected to drive the growth of the locomotive market in this region.

  • In June 2025, Wabtec Corporation announced to deliver ET44AC locomotives to Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). These locomotives are equipped with GEVO-12 engines that meets the US EPA Tier 4 emissions standards without the use of exhaust after-treatment systems.(Source: Railmarket)

Asia Pacific is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The growing adoption of electric locomotives in several countries such as India, Singapore, Australia and some others has boosted the market expansion. Additionally, rapid investment by government of several countries such as China and Japan for strengthening the bullet train infrastructure is crucial for the industrial growth. Moreover, the presence of various market players such as Toshiba Corporation, Hyundai Rotem Company, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. and some others is expected to foster the growth of the locomotive market in this region.

  • In July 2025, Hyundai Rotem launched a new range of trains in South Korea and Taiwan. These trains are equipped with advanced features that helps in enhancing passenger transportation across the APAC region.(Source: Railway Supply)

Industry Leader Announcement

  • In January 2025, Patrick Whitehead, the Executive Vice-President and Chief Network Operating Officer made of CN made an announcement stating that, " This CN-led pilot represents another milestone in our sustainability journey and focus on emerging technologies. We believe that this hybrid system, if successful, could substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our yard operations, while maintaining our commitment to customers and communities across our network."

Competitive Landscape

The locomotive market is a highly competitive industry with the presence of several dominating players. Some of the prominent companies in this industry consists of Siemens AG; Strukton; Toshiba Corporation; AEG Power Solutions B.V.; Alstom; Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited; CRRC Corporation Limited; Hitachi, Ltd.; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.; Wabtec Corporation and some others. These companies are constantly engaged in developing locomotives and adopting numerous strategies such as launches, partnerships, joint ventures, collaborations, business expansions, acquisitions, and some others to maintain their dominance in this industry.

  • In July 2025, Alstom launched Line 6-Orange. Line 6-Orange is a fleet of 22 six-car trains designed for the consumers of Taubate, Sao Paulo. (Source: Alstom)
  • In March 2025, CRRC Corporation Limited launched SDD1 diesel locomotive. SDD1 diesel locomotive designed for the passengers of Mozambique.(Source: CRRC)

Wabtec Corporation Revenue in USD Million (2023-24)

  • According to the annual report of Wabtec Corporation, the revenue of the company in 2023 was around US$ 9677 million that increased to US$ 10387 million in 2024.(Source: wabteccorp)

Recent Developments

  • In June 2025, Siemens launched Charger B+AC. Charger B+AC is a battery-electric passenger locomotive designed for the consumers of North America. (Source: Railwaypro)
  • In May 2025, Wabtec Corporation joined hands with Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto, and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH). This joint venture is done for developing a locomotive for Simandou project.(Source: Railwaypro)
  • In March 2025, Indian Railways launched EF-9K locomotive. EF-9K locomotive has a carrying capacity of 4,500-tonnes and can achieve a top speed of around 120 kms.(Source: Railway Supply)

Locomotive Market Key Players

Locomotive Market Companies

Locomotive Market Segments

By Type

  • Diesel
  • Electric
  • Other

By Technology

  • IGBT Module
  • GTO Thyristor
  • SiC Power Module

By Component

  • Rectifier
  • Traction Motor
  • Alternator
  • Inverter
  • Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)
  • Others

By End-Use

  • Freight
  • Passengers
  • Switcher

By Region

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • The Middle East and Africa
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  • Insight Code: 1284
  • No. of Pages: 150+
  • Format: PDF/PPT/Excel
  • Last Updated: 16 July 2025
  • Report Covered: Revenue + Volume
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Shubham Madhukar Desale is a passionate and insights-driven Research Analyst with over five years of experience in market research, including more than four years of specialized expertise in the global automotive industry.

Learn more about Shubham Desale

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years of experience in automotive market research, specializes in tracking trends across vehicle technologies, mobility solutions, and materials innovation. She delivers accurate, actionable insights that drive excellence in the automotive sector—fueling strategies around electrification, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

FAQ's

IGBT and SiC power modules are transforming traction and propulsion systems, offering improved efficiency and lightweight designs. Also, AI integration is gaining traction for predictive maintenance, hazard detection, and operational safety.

Governments across countries like India, China, the U.S., and Japan are investing in rail infrastructure, bullet trains, and emission regulations. Policies supporting electrification of railway lines and freight corridor development are significantly impacting market expansion.

The electric segment is currently dominant due to increasing pressure to cut emissions. Countries such as the U.S., China, and Japan are heavily investing in electric rail fleets, making this segment a high-potential area for long-term investment.

North America leads in revenue due to mature infrastructure and sustainability goals, while Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region, driven by rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and public-private partnerships in countries like India and China.

Leading companies like Wabtec, Siemens, CRRC, and Alstom are engaging in joint ventures, technology launches, and cross-border partnerships. Notably, Wabtec\'s collaboration in Guinea and Siemens\' launch of battery-electric locomotives highlight a shift toward green innovation.

AI is being deployed for real-time hazard detection, predictive maintenance, and operational analytics, helping to enhance safety, reduce downtime, and optimize costs—an area of increasing interest for tech-savvy rail operators and investors.

Freight locomotives are gaining traction due to the need for efficient long-distance goods transport. Government-supported freight corridors and the rise of e-commerce logistics are driving demand, making this segment a strategic focus for investors and OEMs.

Major players include Siemens AG, Alstom, CRRC Corporation, Hitachi Ltd., Wabtec Corporation, and Toshiba Corporation. These firms are focusing on R&D, fleet expansion, and strategic partnerships to strengthen their market position globally.

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