With a power output of 12,000 HP, the WAG 12 is twice as powerful as its immediate predecessor, WAG-11, 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.
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 ₹320 billion or US$4.3 billion in 2020).[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 MinisterNarendra 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 corporationABB 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]
