Jump to content

Indian locomotive class WAG-9: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
→Operations: it is used as passenger locomotive
 
(37 intermediate revisions by 20 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{More citations needed|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox locomotive
{{Infobox locomotive
| name = WAG-9
| name = WAG-9
| image = WAG9HC.jpg
| image = A Krishnarajapuram-based WAG-9HC at Bangalore City Railway Station.jpg
| caption = Krishnarajapuram based WAG-9HC rest at KSR Bengaluru City.
| caption = CLW made WAG-9HC #38447 at Dankuni yard.
| powertype = Electric
| powertype = Electric
| designer =
| designer =
| builder = [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works]],<br/>[[Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited]],
| builder = * [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works]],<br/>
* [[Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited]],
[[Banaras Locomotive Works]], <br> [[Diesel-Loco Modernisation Works|Patiala Locomotive Works]]
* [[Banaras Locomotive Works]],
* [[Patiala Locomotive Works]]
| serialnumber =
| serialnumber =
| builddate = 1995 - present
| builddate = 1995-present
| length = {{convert|20.562|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}
| length = {{convert|20.562|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}
| width = {{convert|3.152|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}
| width = {{convert|3.152|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}
| height = {{convert|4.525|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}
| height = {{convert|4.525|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}
| totalproduction = 5220 as of June 2024
| totalproduction = 5732 as of December 2024
| gauge = {{RailGauge|5ft6in|lk=on}}
| gauge = {{RailGauge|5ft6in|lk=on}}
| bogies = [[Adtranz]] Fabricated [[Flexicoil]] IV
| bogies = [[Adtranz]] Fabricated [[Flexicoil]] IV
| wheeldiameter = New:{{convert|1092|mm|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}},<br/>Half worn:{{convert|1054|mm|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}<br />Full worn:{{convert|1016|mm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| wheeldiameter = New: {{convert|1092|mm|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}},<br/>Half worn: {{convert|1054|mm|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}<br />Full worn: {{convert|1016|mm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| wheelbase = {{convert|15.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| wheelbase = {{convert|15.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| uicclass = Co′Co′
| uicclass = Co′Co′
Line 44: Line 47:
<br />
<br />
WAG-9TWIN Starting Effort:{{convert|1040|kN|abbr=on}}
WAG-9TWIN Starting Effort:{{convert|1040|kN|abbr=on}}
<br />
| operator = [[Indian Railways]]
| operator = [[Indian Railways]]
| fleetnumbers = Starting from '''31000-31999''', '''32000-32999''', '''33000-33999''', '''38000+''' & '''90001+''' [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works|CLW]]
| fleetnumbers = Starting from
* '''31000-31999''', '''32000-32999''', '''33000-33999''', '''38000+''', '''51001+''' & '''65001+(A & B unit)''' [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works|CLW]]
'''34001+''' [[Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited|BHEL]]
* '''34001+''' [[Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited|BHEL]]
'''41000-41500''' & '''43000+''' [[Banaras Locomotive Works|BLW]]
* '''41000-41500''' & '''43000+''' [[Banaras Locomotive Works|BLW]]
'''41501+''' [[Diesel-Loco Modernisation Works|PLW]]
* '''41501+''' [[Patiala Locomotive Works|PLW]]
| locale = All Over [[India]]
| locale = All Over [[India]]
| disposition = Active
| disposition = Active
}}
}}


The '''Indian locomotive class WAG-9''' is a class of 25 [[Volt|kV]] [[Alternating current|AC]] [[electric locomotive]]s that was developed in 1995 by [[ABB]] for [[Indian Railways]]. The model name stands for [[5 ft 6 in gauge railway|broad gauge (W)]], AC Current (A), Goods traffic (G), 9th generation (9) locomotive. They entered service in 1996. A total of 5140 WAG-9 have been built at [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works]] (CLW), with more units being built at [[Banaras Locomotive Works]] (BLW), [[Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited]] (BHEL) and [[Diesel-Loco Modernisation Works|Patiala Locomotive Works]] (PLW). It was the most powerful freight locomotive of its fleet until the formal introduction of the [[Indian locomotive class WAG-12|WAG-12]].
The '''Indian locomotive class WAG-9''' is a class of 25 [[Volt|kV]] [[Alternating current|AC]] [[electric locomotive]]s that was developed in 1995 by [[ABB]] for [[Indian Railways]]. The model name stands for [[5 ft 6 in gauge railway|broad gauge (W)]], AC Current (A), Goods traffic (G), 9th generation (9) locomotive. They entered service in 1996. A total of 5140 WAG-9 have been built at [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works]] (CLW), with more units being built at [[Banaras Locomotive Works]] (BLW), [[Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited]] (BHEL) and [[Diesel-Loco Modernisation Works|Patiala Locomotive Works]] (PLW). It was the most powerful freight locomotive in the [[Indian Railways]] fleet until the introduction of the [[Indian locomotive class WAG-12|WAG-12]].


The WAG-9 is one of the most successful locomotives of Indian Railways serving freight trains for over 27 years. A passenger variant of the WAG-9 was developed namely the [[Indian locomotive class WAP-7|WAP-7]] locomotive by modifying the [[gear ratio]] to pull lighter loads at higher speeds. Nowadays, it is a common locomotive used in freight trains.
The WAG-9 is one of the most successful locomotives of Indian Railways,{{Peacock inline|date=August 2024}} serving freight trains since its introduction in 1995. A passenger variant of the WAG-9 was developed, namely the [[Indian locomotive class WAP-7|WAP-7]] locomotive, by modifying the [[gear ratio]] to pull lighter loads at higher speeds. Nowadays,{{When|date=July 2024}} WAG-9 locomotives are commonly used to haul freight trains.


== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
Line 68: Line 71:
The WAG-9i was introduced in 2010, and was No. 31215. It was homed at the GMO shed. With IGBT, even if one traction motor failed, other traction motors can function with a total output of 5500&nbsp;hp.
The WAG-9i was introduced in 2010, and was No. 31215. It was homed at the GMO shed. With IGBT, even if one traction motor failed, other traction motors can function with a total output of 5500&nbsp;hp.


Newer WAG-9 units have "CLW Glorious 60 years" marked on their sides. Some WAG-9(x)s are fitted with a solid cowcatcher while others are fitted with grilled cowcatchers. Some have American style flasher lamps while others have Indian style flasher lamps. http://elocos.railnet.gov.in/Study_Material/TSD_3Ph.pdf.
Newer WAG-9 units have "CLW Glorious 60 years" marked on their sides. Some WAG-9(x)s are fitted with a solid cowcatcher while others are fitted with grilled cowcatchers. Some have American style flasher lamps while others have Indian style flasher lamps.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://elocos.railnet.gov.in/Study_Material/TSD_3Ph.pdf.|title=Study Material |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |website= |publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref>


Newer versions of the WAG-9 feature full [[Insulated-gate bipolar transistor]] (IGBT) traction control; the debut model was the ''WAG-9 31248''. The class as a whole is denoted by the WAG-9i prefix in its model number, although there is a technical variant of this class named WAG-9H, with the "H" meaning "Heavy".
Newer versions of the WAG-9 feature full [[Insulated-gate bipolar transistor]] (IGBT) traction control; the debut model was the ''WAG-9 31248''. The class as a whole is denoted by the WAG-9i prefix in its model number, although there is a technical variant of this class named WAG-9H, with the "H" meaning "Heavy".
Line 77: Line 80:


==Variants==
==Variants==
{{No sources section|date=July 2024}}

The following variants are built from the WAG-9:
The following variants are built from the WAG-9:


Line 84: Line 87:
* WAG-9i: Version with [[Insulated-gate bipolar transistor|IGBT]] Technology.
* WAG-9i: Version with [[Insulated-gate bipolar transistor|IGBT]] Technology.
* WAG-9Hi: Version with additional ballast and [[Insulated-gate bipolar transistor|IGBT]] Technology.
* WAG-9Hi: Version with additional ballast and [[Insulated-gate bipolar transistor|IGBT]] Technology.
* WAG-9HC: Heavy version with Conventional Brake Rigging.
* WAG-9HC: Heavy version with brake rigging.

* EF9K: Heavy Version with 9000&nbsp; hp variant.
* EF9K/WAG-9HH: Heavy Version with 9000 HP
⚫
* EF12K: A 12000&nbsp;hp variant developed by CLW to equal [[WAG-12]] horsepower.

⚫
* EF12K/WAG-9 Twins: A 12000&nbsp;hp variant developed by CLW to equal [[WAG-12]] horsepower.


== Operations ==
== Operations ==
⚫
WAG-9 has quickly become one of the important locos in the Indian railways. With its higher power, this locomotive has replaced WAG-7 which was the main electric loco before WAG-9's arrival. Applications where twin WAG-7s were required are now handled by a single WAG-9. This includes both leading a long consist and for banking operations. The regenerative braking capabilities of WAG-9 has also helped reduce the electricity consumption. The original WAG-9 had some wheel slippage incidents while hauling heavy load. This was rectified through the introduction of WAG-9H and subsequently using WAG-9i. This has significantly reduced the issue that were associated with the original version.


[[File:Wag-9 Locomotive at Vangaon Railway station.jpg|thumb|Wag-9 Locomotive at Vangaon Railway station, pulling an automobile carrier rake.]]
[[File:Wag-9 Locomotive at Vangaon Railway station.jpg|thumb|WAG-9 Locomotive at Vangaon Railway station, pulling an automobile carrier rake.]]

⚫
Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) turned out its first 9,000&nbsp;hp WAG-9 freight locomotive on 31 March 2019, the last day of the financial year. This 9,000&nbsp;hp version of the WAG-9H has been classified by IR as WAG-9 HH. The first H stands for higher axle load and the second H stands for the higher power rating. The class has been allocated a block of serial numbers starting with 90001, the number of the first unit. The decision to upgrade the power output of the WAG-9 was taken to partly meet the demands of the upcoming electrified Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). The upgraded locomotive class will also augment hauling capacity on the existing network of the Indian Railways.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.railpost.in/new-9000-hp-wag-9-hh-locomotive-rolls-out-of-clw/|title=New 9,000 hp WAG-9 HH Locomotive Rolls Out of CLW|date=2019-04-02|website=RailPost.in - Indian Railways News & Analysis|access-date=2019-04-05}}</ref>
[[File:Bhilai_EF12K_(WAG-9_Twins)_on_duty..jpg|thumb|Bhilai EF12K (WAG-9 Twins) on duty]]

[[File:EF9K_Locomotive_"Nava_Utkarsh"_on_duty..jpg|thumb|Tughlakabad EF9K (WAG-9HH) "Nava Utkarsh" on duty.]]

⚫
WAG-9 has quickly become one of the important locos in the Indian railways. With its higher power, this locomotive has replaced WAG-7 which was the main electric loco before WAG-9's arrival. Applications where twin WAG-7s were required are now handled by a single WAG-9. This includes both leading a long consist and for banking operations. The regenerative braking capabilities of WAG-9 has also helped reduce the electricity consumption. The original WAG-9 had some wheel slippage incidents while hauling heavy load. This was rectified through the introduction of WAG-9H and subsequently using WAG-9i. This has significantly reduced the issue that were associated with the original version. Nowadays, it is quite common to see special passenger trains hauled by WAG-9 locomotives. Sometimes many express trains as Ballia Express, Bhagirathi Express and many other Mail Express category trains use WAG-9 locomotive. WAG-9 locomotive is similar with non-HOG WAP-7.

[[File:New_Katni_Jn._WAG-9HC_hauling_13513_Asansol-Hatia_Express.webp|thumb|New Katni Jn. WAG-9HC hauling Asansol-Hatia Express]]

⚫
Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) turned out its first 9,000 hp WAG-9 freight locomotive on 31 March 2019, the last day of the financial year. This 9,000&nbsp;hp version of the WAG-9H has been classified by IR as WAG-9 HH. The first H stands for higher axle load and the second H stands for the higher power rating. The class has been allocated a block of serial numbers starting with 90001, the number of the first unit. The decision to upgrade the power output of the WAG-9 was taken to partly meet the demands of the upcoming electrified Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). The upgraded locomotive class will also augment hauling capacity on the existing network of the Indian Railways.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.railpost.in/new-9000-hp-wag-9-hh-locomotive-rolls-out-of-clw/|title=New 9,000 hp WAG-9 HH Locomotive Rolls Out of CLW|date=2019-04-02|website=RailPost.in - Indian Railways News & Analysis|access-date=2019-04-05}}</ref>


== Locomotive sheds ==
== Locomotive sheds ==
Line 101: Line 114:
! rowspan="2" style="background:skyBlue;"|Shed Code
! rowspan="2" style="background:skyBlue;"|Shed Code
! colspan="4" style="background:skyBlue;"|Quantity
! colspan="4" style="background:skyBlue;"|Quantity
! rowspan="2" style="background:skyBlue;"|Introduction
! rowspan="2" style="background:skyBlue;"|Introduction Year
|-
|-
! style="background:skyBlue;"|WAG-9
! style="background:skyBlue;"|WAG-9
Line 108: Line 121:
! style="background:skyBlue;"|EF12K
! style="background:skyBlue;"|EF12K
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" |[[Central Railway zone|Central Railway]]
| rowspan="4" |[[Central Railway zone|Central Railway]]
|[[Electric Loco Shed, Bhusawal|Bhusawal]]
|[[Electric Loco Shed, Bhusawal|Bhusawal]]
|BSLL
|BSLL
|
|
|42
|26
|
|
|
|
|2013
|2013
|-
|[[Daund Junction railway station|Daund]]
|DNDE
|
|47
|
|
|2024
|-
|-
|[[Electric Loco Shed, Ajni|Ajni]]
|[[Electric Loco Shed, Ajni|Ajni]]
|AQE
|AQE
|2
|
|197
|234
|
|
|
|
Line 128: Line 149:
|PADX
|PADX
|
|
|27
|22
|
|
|
|
Line 136: Line 157:
|ASNL
|ASNL
|
|
|139
|187
|
|
|
|
Line 145: Line 166:
|DDUE
|DDUE
|2
|2
|57
|59
|
|
|
|
Line 152: Line 173:
|[[Electric Loco Shed, Gomoh|Gomoh]]
|[[Electric Loco Shed, Gomoh|Gomoh]]
|GMOE
|GMOE
|4
|1
|202
|207
|
|
|
|
Line 161: Line 182:
|BJUE
|BJUE
|
|
|152
|185
|
|
|
|
Line 169: Line 190:
|PTRX
|PTRX
|5
|5
|115
|127
|
|
|
|
Line 178: Line 199:
|WATE
|WATE
|
|
|205
|206
|
|
|
|
Line 194: Line 215:
|ANGE
|ANGE
|
|
|87
|86
|
|
|
|
Line 203: Line 224:
|GZBE
|GZBE
|
|
|8
|30
|
|
|
|
Line 211: Line 232:
|LDHE
|LDHE
|
|
|228
|205
|
|
|
|
Line 219: Line 240:
|KJGE
|KJGE
|
|
|126
|129
|
|
|
|
Line 244: Line 265:
|JHSE
|JHSE
|
|
|1
|18
|
|
|
|
Line 253: Line 274:
|GDDX
|GDDX
|
|
|20
|35
|
|
|
|
Line 261: Line 282:
|SYHE
|SYHE
|
|
|37
|40
|
|
|
|
Line 269: Line 290:
|IZND
|IZND
|
|
|10
|24
|
|
|
|
Line 278: Line 299:
|MLDD
|MLDD
|
|
|46
|73
|
|
|
|
Line 294: Line 315:
|NGCD
|NGCD
|
|
|7
|13
|
|
|
|
Line 303: Line 324:
|BGKD
|BGKD
|
|
|68
|100
|
|
|
|
Line 312: Line 333:
|AJJE
|AJJE
|
|
|33
|34
|
|
|
|
Line 321: Line 342:
|BZAE
|BZAE
|
|
|75
|96
|
|
|
|
Line 329: Line 350:
|LGDE
|LGDE
|52
|52
|95
|76
|
|
|
|
Line 337: Line 358:
|KZJL
|KZJL
|3
|3
|166
|204
|
|
|
|
Line 345: Line 366:
|GYD
|GYD
|
|
|90
|100
|
|
|
|
Line 361: Line 382:
|MLYD
|MLYD
|
|
|30
|45
|
|
|
|
Line 370: Line 391:
|TATE
|TATE
|
|
|193
|195
|
|
|
|
Line 378: Line 399:
|BNDL
|BNDL
|
|
|229
|245
|
|
|
|
Line 386: Line 407:
|BKSE
|BKSE
|
|
|181
|232
|
|
|
|
Line 394: Line 415:
|ROUE
|ROUE
|
|
|252
|237
|
|
|
|
Line 403: Line 424:
|BIAE
|BIAE
|
|
|261
|265
|
|
|7
|11
|2024
|2009
|-
|-
|[[Bilaspur Junction railway station|Bilaspur]]
|[[Bilaspur Junction railway station|Bilaspur]]
|BSPE
|BSPE
|
|
|188
|236
|
|
|
|
Line 420: Line 441:
|KJMD
|KJMD
|
|
|47
|73
|
|
|
|
Line 428: Line 449:
|UBLD
|UBLD
|
|
|71
|89
|
|
|
|
|2022
|2022
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Western Railway zone|Western Railway]]
|rowspan="4"|[[Western Railway zone|Western Railway]]
| [[Electric Loco Shed, Vadodara|Vadodara]]
|BRCE
|
|44
|
|
|2024
|-
| [[Electric Loco Shed, Valsad|Valsad]]
| [[Electric Loco Shed, Valsad|Valsad]]
|BLEE
|BLEE
|
|
|171
|144
|
|
|
|
Line 445: Line 474:
|VTAD
|VTAD
|
|
|76
|87
|
|
|
|
Line 453: Line 482:
|SBT
|SBT
|
|
|33
|59
|
|
|
|
Line 463: Line 492:
|21
|21
|130
|130
|50
|55
|
|
|2008
|2008
Line 470: Line 499:
|NKJE
|NKJE
|
|
|180
|197
|
|
|
|
Line 478: Line 507:
|ETE
|ETE
|
|
|141
|163
|
|
|
|
Line 484: Line 513:
|-
|-
| colspan="3" |Total
| colspan="3" |Total
|89
|84
|5582
|4994
|50
|55
|7
|11
| rowspan="4" |
| rowspan="4" |
|-
|-
| colspan="3" |'''Total Locomotives Active as of May 2024'''<ref>{{Cite web|title=e-Locos|url=http://elocos.railnet.gov.in/Holding/holding.html}}</ref>
| colspan="3" |'''Total Locomotives Active as of December 2024'''<ref>{{Cite web|title=e-Locos|url=http://elocos.railnet.gov.in/Holding/holding.html}}</ref>
| colspan="4" |5140
| colspan="4" |5732
|}
|}
<!-- '''Note-'''Before updating the information here anybody should check out the railways current official data first in the Reference then change the data.-->
<!-- '''Note-'''Before updating the information here anybody should check out the railways current official data first in the Reference then change the data.-->


== Performance ==
== Performance ==
Two WAG-9 class units can haul a load of {{convert|4500|t}} on [[Grade (slope)|grades]] of 1 in 60 (1.67%). The WAG-9H was expected to haul 58 BOXN wagons, i.e.,{{convert|4700|t}}, without multiple units on grades of 1 in 150 (0.67%). The locomotive can run even in 100% humidity, or in deserts, where there is high saturation of conductive particles. For shunting up to {{convert|15|km/h|abbr=on}}, it can haul {{convert|7500|t}} on grades of 1 in 1000 (0.1%) or less. The atmosphere may be humid and salty. Regenerative braking will provide braking force of no less than {{convert|260|kN|abbr=on}} at {{convert|10|-|62|km/h|abbr=on}} and closer to {{convert|260|kN|abbr=on}} at higher speeds. Below is the capacity of the WAG-9 while hauling BOX wagons (in tonnes}):<ref name=Trainweb>{{Cite web|title=Trainweb|url=http://trainweb.org/railworld/Electric_Locos/wag9.htm}}</ref>
Two WAG-9 class units can haul a load of {{convert|4500|t}} on [[Grade (slope)|grades]] of 1 in 60 (1.67%). The WAG-9H was expected to haul 58 BOXN wagons, i.e.,{{convert|4700|t}}, without multiple units on grades of 1 in 150 (0.67%). The locomotive can run even in 100% humidity, or in deserts, where there is high saturation of conductive particles. For shunting up to {{convert|15|km/h|abbr=on}}, it can haul {{convert|7500|t}} on grades of 1 in 1000 (0.1%) or less. The atmosphere may be humid and salty. Regenerative braking will provide braking force of no less than {{convert|260|kN|abbr=on}} at {{convert|10|-|62|km/h|abbr=on}} and closer to {{convert|260|kN|abbr=on}} at higher speeds. Below is the capacity of the WAG-9 while hauling BOX wagons (in tonnes):<ref name=Trainweb>{{Cite web|title=Trainweb|url=http://trainweb.org/railworld/Electric_Locos/wag9.htm}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"

Latest revision as of 08:12, 21 December 2024

WAG-9
CLW made WAG-9HC #38447 at Dankuni yard.
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
Builder
Build date1995-present
Total produced5732 as of December 2024
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UICCo′Co′
Gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)
BogiesAdtranz Fabricated Flexicoil IV
Wheel diameterNew: 1,092 mm (3 ft 7 in),
Half worn: 1,054 mm (3 ft 5+1⁄2 in)
Full worn: 1,016 mm (3 ft 4 in)
Wheelbase15.7 m (51 ft 6 in)
Length20.562 m (67 ft 5+1⁄2 in)
Width3.152 m (10 ft 4+1⁄8 in)
Height4.525 m (14 ft 10+1⁄8 in)
Axle loadWAG-9 : 20.5 tonnes (20.2 long tons; 22.6 short tons) WAG-9H/Hi/9i : 22.0 tonnes (21.7 long tons; 24.3 short tons)
Loco weightWAG-9 : 123 tonnes (121 long tons; 136 short tons)

WAG-9H/9Hi/9i/9HH : 132 tonnes (130 long tons; 146 short tons) WAG-9TWIN/EF12K:

264 tonnes (260 long tons; 291 short tons)
Electric system/s25 kV 50 Hz AC Overhead
Current pickup(s)dual pantographs
Traction motorsWAG-9/9H/9i : Adtranz 6FRA6068
MU working2
Loco brakeAir and Regenerative
Train brakesAir
Safety systemsSlip/slide control, Main overload relay, Over voltage relay, No volt protection, Vigilance Control Device, Fire Detection Equipment, Fire Extinguishers and Earth fault relay
Performance figures
Maximum speed100 km/h (62 mph)
Power outputWAG-9 Original : 6,120 hp (4,564 kW)

WAG-9HC : 6,120 hp (4,564 kW)

WAG-9HH/EF9K : 9,000 hp (6,711 kW)

WAG-9TWIN/EF12K : 12,000 hp (8,948 kW)
Tractive effortWAG-9 Starting Effort : 475 kN (107,000 lbf)

WAG-9H/HH Starting Effort : 510 kN (110,000 lbf)

WAG-9TWIN Starting Effort:1,040 kN (230,000 lbf)
Career
OperatorsIndian Railways
NumbersStarting from
  • 31000-31999, 32000-32999, 33000-33999, 38000+, 51001+ & 65001+(A & B unit) CLW
  • 34001+ BHEL
  • 41000-41500 & 43000+ BLW
  • 41501+ PLW
LocaleAll Over India
DispositionActive

The Indian locomotive class WAG-9 is a class of 25 kV AC electric locomotives that was developed in 1995 by ABB for Indian Railways. The model name stands for broad gauge (W), AC Current (A), Goods traffic (G), 9th generation (9) locomotive. They entered service in 1996. A total of 5140 WAG-9 have been built at Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW), with more units being built at Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW). It was the most powerful freight locomotive in the Indian Railways fleet until the introduction of the WAG-12.

The WAG-9 is one of the most successful locomotives of Indian Railways,[peacock prose] serving freight trains since its introduction in 1995. A passenger variant of the WAG-9 was developed, namely the WAP-7 locomotive, by modifying the gear ratio to pull lighter loads at higher speeds. Nowadays,[when?] WAG-9 locomotives are commonly used to haul freight trains.

Introduction

[edit]

The WAG-9 locomotive is referred to as the "Heavy Haul" freight locomotive of the Indian Railways (IR). It was conceived in response to the extreme growth in the rail freight transportation sector, which is considered to be of great importance to the growth of the economy of India. The need for more electrification and electric locomotives in India had increased. Around 60-65% of the freight haulage of the IR takes place on the electrified section of the Golden Quadrilateral (Indian Railways) and diagonals (which account for 25% of the route). These are very busy routes, so clearance is a necessity. Electrical powers give it a great sectional clearance ability. Thus, these locomotives are important for the Indian Railways.

These locomotives have entered the Western Railway zone of Mumbai. The first 22 units were imported from ABB. Of these, the first six were fully assembled and rest were in kit form. CLW started producing of WAG-9 traction motors on 1 November 1999. The units built by ABB have pantographs with two end horns while the CLW built units have pantographs with single end horns which are common in India. This class had a capacity to MU several units, but IR restricts them to two, because of dynamic loading restriction on most bridges. Regenerative brakes provide about 260 kN of braking effort.

The WAG-9H also has different application software than the WAG-9. The first WAG-9H was commissioned on 30 June 2000. The #30130 prototype was housed at Gomoh (GMO). This was then converted back to standard WAG-9 in 2002. This unit has a livery of twin white stripes on green, instead of yellow stripe on green, seen on the other WAG-9(x)s.

The WAG-9i was introduced in 2010, and was No. 31215. It was homed at the GMO shed. With IGBT, even if one traction motor failed, other traction motors can function with a total output of 5500 hp.

Newer WAG-9 units have "CLW Glorious 60 years" marked on their sides. Some WAG-9(x)s are fitted with a solid cowcatcher while others are fitted with grilled cowcatchers. Some have American style flasher lamps while others have Indian style flasher lamps.[1]

Newer versions of the WAG-9 feature full Insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) traction control; the debut model was the WAG-9 31248. The class as a whole is denoted by the WAG-9i prefix in its model number, although there is a technical variant of this class named WAG-9H, with the "H" meaning "Heavy".

The WAG-9H/9Hi locomotives are the second heaviest in regular service in India (after the WAG-12), the only freight-dedicated three-phase AC locomotives in the country, and the only electric locomotives in India fitted with IGBT. They are also the freight locomotives with the highest operational speed in India.

It is similar to the WAP-7 class locomotive but features a different gear ratio, which makes it suitable for heavy freight operations. In November 1998, the Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) started producing these with indigenous components. The first of which, named Navyug (New Era), was produced on 14 November 1998. Like the WAP-5 units, the WAG-9 has GTO thyristor converters and three-phase asynchronous motors.

Variants

[edit]

The following variants are built from the WAG-9:

  • WAG-9: Original version.
  • WAG-9H: Heavy version with additional ballast, total weight: 132 t.
  • WAG-9i: Version with IGBT Technology.
  • WAG-9Hi: Version with additional ballast and IGBT Technology.
  • WAG-9HC: Heavy version with brake rigging.
  • EF9K/WAG-9HH: Heavy Version with 9000 HP
  • EF12K/WAG-9 Twins: A 12000 hp variant developed by CLW to equal WAG-12 horsepower.

Operations

[edit]
WAG-9 Locomotive at Vangaon Railway station, pulling an automobile carrier rake.
Bhilai EF12K (WAG-9 Twins) on duty
Tughlakabad EF9K (WAG-9HH) "Nava Utkarsh" on duty.

WAG-9 has quickly become one of the important locos in the Indian railways. With its higher power, this locomotive has replaced WAG-7 which was the main electric loco before WAG-9's arrival. Applications where twin WAG-7s were required are now handled by a single WAG-9. This includes both leading a long consist and for banking operations. The regenerative braking capabilities of WAG-9 has also helped reduce the electricity consumption. The original WAG-9 had some wheel slippage incidents while hauling heavy load. This was rectified through the introduction of WAG-9H and subsequently using WAG-9i. This has significantly reduced the issue that were associated with the original version. Nowadays, it is quite common to see special passenger trains hauled by WAG-9 locomotives. Sometimes many express trains as Ballia Express, Bhagirathi Express and many other Mail Express category trains use WAG-9 locomotive. WAG-9 locomotive is similar with non-HOG WAP-7.

New Katni Jn. WAG-9HC hauling Asansol-Hatia Express

Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) turned out its first 9,000 hp WAG-9 freight locomotive on 31 March 2019, the last day of the financial year. This 9,000 hp version of the WAG-9H has been classified by IR as WAG-9 HH. The first H stands for higher axle load and the second H stands for the higher power rating. The class has been allocated a block of serial numbers starting with 90001, the number of the first unit. The decision to upgrade the power output of the WAG-9 was taken to partly meet the demands of the upcoming electrified Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). The upgraded locomotive class will also augment hauling capacity on the existing network of the Indian Railways.[2]

Locomotive sheds

[edit]
Zone Name Shed Code Quantity Introduction Year
WAG-9 WAG-9H EF9K EF12K
Central Railway Bhusawal BSLL 26 2013
Daund DNDE 47 2024
Ajni AQE 234 2000
Pune PADX 22 2022
Eastern Railway Asansol ASNL 187 2020
East Central Railway Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya DDUE 2 59 2020
Gomoh GMOE 1 207 1997
Barauni BJUE 185 2019
Patratu PTRX 5 127 2020
East Coast Railway Visakhapatnam WATE 206 2014
Visakhapatnam (D) WATD 225 2021
Angul ANGE 86 2023
Northern Railway Ghaziabad GZBE 30 2023
Ludhiana LDHE 205 2015
Khanalampura KJGE 129 2020
Tughlakabad TKDD 92 2022
North Central Railway Kanpur CNBE 228 2016
Jhansi JHSE 18 2024
North Eastern Railway Gonda GDDX 35 2021
Saiyedpur Bhitri SYHE 40 2022
Izzatnagar IZND 24 2023
Northeast Frontier Railway Malda Town MLDD 73 2021
Siliguri SGUD 13 2022
New Guwahati NGCD 13 2023
North Western Railway Bhagat Ki Kothi BGKD 100 2023
Southern Railway Arakkonam AJJE 34 2020
South Central Railway Vijayawada BZAE 96 2021
Lallaguda LGDE 52 76 2007
Kazipet KZJL 3 204 2013
Gooty GYD 100 2019
Vijayawada BZAD 20 2023
Moula Ali MLYD 45 2023
South Eastern Railway Tatanagar TATE 195 2010
Bondamunda BNDL 245 2016
Bokaro Steel City BKSE 232 2019
Rourkela ROUE 237 2019
South East Central Railway Bhilai BIAE 265 11 2024
Bilaspur BSPE 236 2020
South Western Railway Krishnarajapuram KJMD 73 2020
Hubli UBLD 89 2022
Western Railway Vadodara BRCE 44 2024
Valsad BLEE 144 2020
Vatva VTAD 87 2023
Sabarmati SBT 59 2024
West Central Railway Tughlakabad TKDE 21 130 55 2008
New Katni Jn. NKJE 197 2017
Itarsi ETE 163 2020
Total 84 5582 55 11
Total Locomotives Active as of December 2024[3] 5732

Performance

[edit]

Two WAG-9 class units can haul a load of 4,500 tonnes (4,400 long tons; 5,000 short tons) on grades of 1 in 60 (1.67%). The WAG-9H was expected to haul 58 BOXN wagons, i.e.,4,700 tonnes (4,600 long tons; 5,200 short tons), without multiple units on grades of 1 in 150 (0.67%). The locomotive can run even in 100% humidity, or in deserts, where there is high saturation of conductive particles. For shunting up to 15 km/h (9.3 mph), it can haul 7,500 tonnes (7,400 long tons; 8,300 short tons) on grades of 1 in 1000 (0.1%) or less. The atmosphere may be humid and salty. Regenerative braking will provide braking force of no less than 260 kN (58,000 lbf) at 10–62 km/h (6.2–38.5 mph) and closer to 260 kN (58,000 lbf) at higher speeds. Below is the capacity of the WAG-9 while hauling BOX wagons (in tonnes):[4]

Grade\km/h Start 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Level 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+
1 in 500 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 4985 4150 3500
1 in 200 5060 5060 5060 5060 5060 4045 3325 2780 2365 2040
1 in 150 4250 4250 4165 4080 3985 3200 2640 2220 1895 1640
1 in 100 3205 2910 2870 2825 2775 2240 1855 1565 1345 1165
1 in 50 1820 1455 1445 1435 1420 1440 945 795 680 590

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Study Material".
  2. ^ "New 9,000 hp WAG-9 HH Locomotive Rolls Out of CLW". RailPost.in - Indian Railways News & Analysis. 2 April 2019. Retrieved 5 April 2019.
  3. ^ "e-Locos".
  4. ^ "Trainweb".
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Indian locomotive class WAG9.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Indian_locomotive_class_WAG-9&oldid=1264269966"