WAG-12 : The Hercules of Indian Railways

WAG-12, hailed by many as the most powerful locomotive in railways around the globe, is the result product of the joint venture of Indian railways and Alstom, French company well-known for their world class engines. The engine is indeed powerful, more powerful than any other already running freight locomotive. Let us now take a look at the brief history and major points regarding the engine….

Ministry of Railway signed a contract with Alstom, a French giant in locomotive industry, in November 2015 to develop and supply electric locomotives, marking the first Foreign Direct Investment in Indian rail sector. Under this joint venture, Indian Railways shares 26%. The contract allows import of first 5 locomotives while rest 795 are to be manufactured in India with local support and hence providing locals with jobs and opportunities of capital investment. Scheduled delivery was supposed to start back in 2018 but due to some technical halts, the date was pushed further a bit.

The ₹25,000-crore project will also include the construction of 2 - maintenance depots at Nagpur, Maharashtra and Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh and a manufacturing plant at Madhepura. In fact, the first successful test run-unit was manufactured in Madhepura, Bihar.

WAG - 12 locomotives is actually a part of Alstom Prima family of locomotives. Alstom Prima family models are known for their high flexible ability, which means the engines of this family are very adaptable, and most of the hybrids can run on both, diesel and electricity. Prima family engines are designed to follow all major requirements of the operator (in this case, Indian railways act as operator). The WAG-12 is from the second generation of the Prima Family. Apart from India, Alstom delivers in Israel, Sri Lanka, Morocco, European Union countries and China. 

Let us understand the capabilities of the bull-engine in a nutshell:

• WAG - 12 is capable of producing 12,000 horsepower. 
• WAG - 12 can haul 6000 tonnes with a maximum speed of 120 kmph. 
• WAG - 12 will be used on Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor and will run at 100 kmph. 
• WAG - 12 cockpit is comparatively spacious, making it more comfortable for longer routes.
• WAG - 12 will be equipped with Knorr-Bremse braking systems and ABB transformers.
• WAG - 12 can easily withstand adverse weather conditions with an operating temperature range from -50 degree Celsius to 50 degree Celsius. 
• WAG - 12 will be equipped with automatic climate control air conditioner.  
• To minimize maintenance cost and energy consumption; WAG – 12 will be equipped with 8 – axle design.

The target is to make 35 locomotives operational by 2020, 60 by 2021 and 100 every next year, till 800-engine contract is accomplished. WAG-12 is twice as powerful as its immediate predecessor, WAG-9.  These locomotives will increase efficiency of freight trains drastically and will bump up average speed from 25-30 kmph to 50 - 60 kmph. It is important to note that WAG-12 is not the fastest engine, it cannot outrun other fast-paced locomotives, but when you need a beast of burden, this bull is the best one around..

Hope you learned something new and interesting….

Please share and comment….