Introduction

The Indian locomotive class WAG-12 is a class of 25 kV AC electric locomotives developed by Alstom in collaboration with Indian Railways. With a power output of 12,000 hp, it is one of the most powerful freight locomotives in the world, doubling the average speed of freight trains in the sector. In this blog post, we will explore the history, design, features, and performance of the WAG-12, and how it is revolutionizing freight transportation in India.

History

The origins of the WAG-12 can be traced back to 2006 when the Government of India approved the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project. The WAG-12 was designed to haul freight trains weighing over 6,000 tonnes at speeds of 100 km/h to 120 km/h, doubling the average speed of freight trains in the sector. Alstom was awarded the contract to build the locomotives in November 2015, and the first locomotive was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Madhepura, Bihar on April 10, 2018.

Design

The WAG-12 is a three-phase, twin-section electric freight locomotive consisting of two identical sections, each resting on two twin-axled Bo-Bo bogies. The locomotive is designed to output 9 mega watts (12000 hp), making it necessary to have twin sections.

The WAG-12‘s innovative eight-axle configuration optimizes its power output, resulting in enhanced tractive effort, reduced energy losses, and decreased wear and tear on its components, thereby lowering maintenance expenses and environmental impact while boosting overall efficiency.

 . The WAG-12 locomotive is designed to thrive in India’s diverse environmental conditions, featuring advanced adaptations inspired by Alstom’s renowned Prima T8 technology. This enables the locomotive to maintain optimal performance in challenging weather conditions, including high humidity, dense dust, and extreme temperatures, ensuring reliable and efficient freight transportation across the country’s varied landscapes.

Features

The WAG-12 features state-of-the-art systems, including:

• Wireless control of multiple-unit locomotives
• Cruise control
• Autopilot
• Incident recorder or “black box”
• Climate control systems such as air conditioners
• Food preparation and storage facilities
• Toilet facilities
• Advanced telematics systems, leveraging GPS and GPRS technology, enable real-time monitoring and diagnostics, allowing for precise tracking, performance analysis, and predictive maintenance, ensuring optimal locomotive performance, reduced downtime, and enhanced operational efficiency.

Performance

The WAG-12 has a starting effort of 705 kN (158,490 lbf), upgradable to 785 kN. The brake force is 634.5 kN (142,641 lbf). The locomotive has a top speed of 120 km/h and can haul freight trains weighing over 6,000 tonnes. The WAG-12 is designed for deployment on the Dedicated Freight Corridors, where it can operate at maximum efficiency.

Conclusion

The Indian locomotive class WAG-12 is a game changer in freight transportation, doubling the average speed of freight trains in the sector. With its powerful engine, state-of-the-art features, and improved performance, the WAG-12 is revolutionizing the way freight is transported in India. As the demand for freight transportation continues to grow, the WAG-12 is poised to play a vital role in meeting this demand, and its impact on the Indian Railways will be felt for years to come.