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The Indian locomotive class '''WAG-12B''' is a class of 25 [[Volt|kV]] [[Alternating current|AC]] [[electric locomotive]]s that was developed in 2017 by [[Alstom]] with technological collaboration with [[Indian Railways]]. The model name stands for [[5 ft 6 in gauge railway|broad gauge (W)]], Alternating Current (AC), Goods traffic (G) locomotive , 12000hp (12). They entered trial service in 2019. A total of 177 WAG-12B have been built at [[Electric Locomotive Factory, Madhepura]], [[Bihar]], [[India]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 May 2020|title=WAG-12: Official Press Releases from Alstom and Indian Railways|url=https://www.railpost.in/wag-12-official-press-releases-from-alstom-and-indian-railways/|access-date=15 June 2020|website=RailPost.in - Indian Railways News & Analysis|language=en-US}}</ref>
The Indian locomotive class '''WAG-12B''' is a class of 25 [[Volt|kV]] [[Alternating current|AC]] [[electric locomotive]]s that was developed in 2017 by [[Alstom]] with technological collaboration with [[Indian Railways]]. The model name stands for [[5 ft 6 in gauge railway|broad gauge (W)]], Alternating Current (AC), Goods traffic (G) locomotive , 12000hp (12). They entered trial service in 2019. A total of 177 WAG-12B have been built at [[Electric Locomotive Factory, Madhepura]], [[Bihar]], [[India]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 May 2020|title=WAG-12: Official Press Releases from Alstom and Indian Railways|url=https://www.railpost.in/wag-12-official-press-releases-from-alstom-and-indian-railways/|access-date=15 June 2020|website=RailPost.in - Indian Railways News & Analysis|language=en-US}}</ref>


With a power output of 12,000 HP, the WAG 12 is twice as powerful as its immediate predecessor, [[Indian locomotive class WAG-11|WAG-11]], and is among the most powerful freight locomotives in the world. The locomotive is being developed for deployment on the [[Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India|Dedicated Freight Corridors]], where it will be used to haul freight trains weighing more than {{convert|6000|tonnes}} at speeds of {{convert|100|km/h|abbr=on}} to {{convert|120|km/h|abbr=on}}, essentially doubling the average speed of freight trains in the sector.
With a power output of 12,000 HP, the WAG 12 is twice as powerful as its immediate predecessor, [[Indian locomotive class WAG-11|WAG-9]], and is among the most powerful freight locomotives in the world. The locomotive is being developed for deployment on the [[Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India|Dedicated Freight Corridors]], where it will be used to haul freight trains weighing more than {{convert|6000|tonnes}} at speeds of {{convert|100|km/h|abbr=on}} to {{convert|120|km/h|abbr=on}}, essentially doubling the average speed of freight trains in the sector.


==Development==
==Development==

Revision as of 10:49, 7 March 2022

WAG-12B[1]
File:SRE WAG12B 60096.jpg
Saharanpur based WAG-12B at Bardhaman
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
DesignerAlstom
BuilderELF Madhepura
ModelAlstom Prima[2]
Build date11 October 2017 (2017-10-11)[3] - present
Total produced177 as of February 2022
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARB-B+B-B
 • UICBo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′
 • CommonwealthBo-Bo+Bo-Bo[4]
Gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Broad Gauge
Wheel diameter1250 mm
Axle load22.5 Tons
Loco weightWAG-12B : 180 tonnes (177 long tons; 198 short tons)
Electric system/s25 kV 50 Hz AC
Current pickup(s)Pantograph OHE
Loco brakeRegenerative[5]
Performance figures
Maximum speed120 km/h (75 mph)[2]
Power output:
​
 • Continuous9 MW (12,000 hp)
Tractive effort:
​
 • Starting785 kN (176,000 lbf)
Career
OperatorsIndian Railways
Numbers60001+ onwards[6]
LocaleAll over India

The Indian locomotive class WAG-12B is a class of 25 kV AC electric locomotives that was developed in 2017 by Alstom with technological collaboration with Indian Railways. The model name stands for broad gauge (W), Alternating Current (AC), Goods traffic (G) locomotive , 12000hp (12). They entered trial service in 2019. A total of 177 WAG-12B have been built at Electric Locomotive Factory, Madhepura, Bihar, India.[7]

With a power output of 12,000 HP, the WAG 12 is twice as powerful as its immediate predecessor, WAG-9, and is among the most powerful freight locomotives in the world. The locomotive is being developed for deployment on the Dedicated Freight Corridors, where it will be used to haul freight trains weighing more than 6,000 tonnes (5,900 long tons; 6,600 short tons) at speeds of 100 km/h (62 mph) to 120 km/h (75 mph), essentially doubling the average speed of freight trains in the sector.

Development

WAG 12 locomotive details

The origins of WAG-12B can be traced back to a railway project approval in 2006, but no progress was made in the months that followed.[8] In June 2008, the Ministry of Railways invited bids from global firms to design and develop the locomotives. The initial deal was to set up a new electric locomotive factory at Madhepura, Bihar to build and maintain 660 high-horsepower locomotives in a joint venture where Indian Railways would hold a 26% stake and the bidder 74%. This would have been the first foreign direct investment in the fully state-owned railway sector of the country.[9] This invitation received bids from General Electric, Alstom, Bombardier, Siemens, China CNR and CSR Corporation. The number of locomotives to be built was subsequently increased from 660 to 800.[8] The Research Design and Standards Organisation published a specification in June 2013,[10] detailing the capability requirements for an eight-axle locomotive intended to be used on Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC). It was not until November 2015, however, that Alstom was finally awarded the contract to build the locomotives.[11]

They are three phase, twin-section electric freight locomotive consisting of two identical sections, each of which rests on two twin-axled Bo-Bo bogies. The locomotive is being jointly developed by Alstom and the Indian Railways, and is the first Indian Railways locomotive that has a power output greater than 10,000 horsepower. With a power output of 12,000 HP,[12] it is twice as powerful as its immediate predecessor, WAG-9, and is one of the most powerful freight locomotives in the world.[13][5]

The eight-axle design of the locomotive reportedly improves performance and minimises energy consumption and maintenance costs. The locomotive incorporates special features based on the Alstom Prima T8 for operations in humid or dusty environments and extreme temperatures ranging from −50 °C (−58 °F) to 50 °C (122 °F). The cabin of the locomotive is comparatively larger and offers better comfort for drivers, especially during long-distance operations. The locomotives can also be equipped with climate control systems such as air conditioners, food preparation and storage facilities, and even a toilet[4]—a standard that Indian Railways introduced in 2016.[14]

Development of the locomotive began after the Ministry of Railways and Alstom signed a contract worth ₹25,000 crore (equivalent to ₹380 billion or US$4.5 billion in 2023).[15][16] and created a joint venture for the project. The largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) project of Indian Railways, the first locomotive was initially expected to enter service on 28 February 2018.[17] However, the locomotive was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Madhepura, Bihar on 10 April 2018.[18]

Production

As development of the engines progressed, Alstom outsourced the task of producing traction transformers for the locomotives to Swedish-Swiss multinational corporation ABB in 2016. These all-weather transformers were to be produced in Vadodara, Gujarat.[19] In 2017, Alstom outsourced the task of developing, testing, and maintaining the brakes of the locomotives to German brake manufacturing firm Knorr-Bremse. These brakes were to be produced at Palwal in the Indian state of Haryana.[20] The couplers of the locomotive were designed and developed by French Railway company Faiveley Transport. Around 85-90% of the components will be procured from within India.[13] The first body shell of the locomotive was delivered to the Haldia Port in West Bengal on 20 September 2017. It was then transferred to the Electric Locomotive Factory (Alstom Madhepura) for final assembly,[1] which began on 11 October 2017.[3][21] The first locomotive, numbered 60001, was tested in the Madhepura factory on 27 February 2018, one day before its initial launch date.[17][6]

Deliveries of the locomotives are planned from 2018 through 2028, with the first locomotive slated to enter service in 2018, and a total of five by 2019. This is to be followed by the assembly of 35 new locomotives in 2020, 60 in 2021, and 100 locomotives each year from 2022 until all 800 locomotives are delivered.[22]

Delivery schedule[13]
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Total
10 90 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 800

Locomotive shed

Zone Name Shed Code Quantity
Northern Railway Saharanpur SRE 177
Total Locomotives Active as of 01 February 2022[23] 177

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "RDSO Develops Worlds most powerful Loco". Times of India.
  2. ^ a b "Alstom to supply 800 electric locos to Indian Railways". Railway Gazette International. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
  3. ^ a b "Production starts at Indian electric locomotive factory". Railway Gazette International. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
  4. ^ a b "Alstom Prima T8 Heavy Freight Locomotives Specifications" (PDF). Alstom. Retrieved 5 January 2018.
  5. ^ a b "Alstom to manufacture 800 high HP electric locomotives in Madhepura". Economic Times. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
  6. ^ a b "Alstom Prima locomotive for Indian Railways on test". Railway Gazette International. 27 February 2018. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
  7. ^ "WAG-12: Official Press Releases from Alstom and Indian Railways". RailPost.in - Indian Railways News & Analysis. 20 May 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  8. ^ a b "Six firms vie for Bihar locomotive project". Livemint. 3 September 2013. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
  9. ^ P. R Sanjai (8 July 2008). "Railways to buy 660 electric engines for €3.5 billion". Livemint. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
  10. ^ "Specification RDSO/2006/EL/SPEC/0044, Rev '13'" (PDF). June 2013.
  11. ^ "Alstom wins Indian electric locomotive contrac". International Railway Journal. 11 November 2015. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
  12. ^ "India Gets Its First High Horse Power Locomotive From France". NDTV. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
  13. ^ a b c "Local sourcing to be major focus of Alstom's Madhepura e-loco factory". The Hindu Business Line. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
  14. ^ Sood, Jyotika (6 May 2016). "After 163 years, Railways to put toilets in train engines". LiveMint. Retrieved 5 January 2018.
  15. ^ "Alstom's first Prima electric locomotive delivered to Indian Railways begins operation". Alstom. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  16. ^ "Railways inks pact with GE, Alstom for loco factories". The Hindu. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
  17. ^ a b "First electric locomotive from Madhepura factory in Bihar to roll out on February 28". Hindustan Times. 20 December 2017. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
  18. ^ Team, BS Web (10 April 2018). "Modi launches India's most powerful electric locomotive in Bihar: 10 facts". Business Standard India. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  19. ^ "Prima India locos to have ABB transformers". Railway Gazette International. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
  20. ^ "Knorr-Bremse to supply brakes for Alstom's Indian locomotives". Railway Gazette International. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
  21. ^ "Indian Railways WAG 12". Financial Express.
  22. ^ "Faster, Fitter & French: 7 Things to Know About India's New High-Power Locomotives". The Better India. 23 September 2017. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
  23. ^ "e-Locos".
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