Yashvitoursin at 04:16, 4 March 2026

2026-03-04T04:16:35Z

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{{Short description|Indian Railway freight class high horsepower electric locomotive}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox locomotive
| name = WAG-12B
| image = SRE WAG12B.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Saharanpur based WAG-12B at [[Dum Dum Junction]].
| powertype = Electric
| designer = [[Alstom]] & [[RDSO]]
| builder = [[Electric Locomotive Factory, Madhepura|ELF, Madhepura]]
| buildmodel =
| builddate = {{start date|2017}}–present
| totalproduction = 598 as of March 2026
| aarwheels = B-B+B-B
| uicclass = [[Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′]]
| gauge = {{Track gauge|Indian|al=on}}
| Britishclass = Bo-Bo+Bo-Bo
| wheeldiameter = {{convert|1250|mm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| bogie = {{convert|2600|mm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| pivotcentres = {{convert|10200|mm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| pantoshoecentres = {{convert|9000|mm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| over couplers = {{convert|38400|mm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|3215|mm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| pantodown = {{convert|4245|mm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| axleload = 22.5t (upgradable to 25t)
| locoweight = 180t (upgradable to 200t)
| sandcap =
| electricsystem = {{25 kV 50 Hz}}
| collectionmethod = [[pantograph (rail)|Pantograph]]
| tractionmotors = 6FRA-4576D, Asynchronous, Forced Cooled, Nose Suspended
| t/m amps cont = 1125 kW @ 1750 rpm
| gear ratio = 110:23
| multipleworking = 2 units
| locobrakes = [[Railway air brake|Air]], [[regenerative brake|Regenerative]]<ref name="regen brake" />
| locobrakeforce = {{convert|634.5|kN|lbf|0|abbr=on}}
| trainbrakes = [[Railway air brake|Air]]
| coupling = [[Janney coupler|CBC coupler]], [[Buffers and chain coupler]]
| maxspeed = {{convert|100|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}{{break}}(Upgradable to 120 km/h)
| poweroutput = {{convert|12000|hp|kW||abbr=on}}
| poweroutput cont = {{convert|9000|kW|hp||abbr=on}}
| tractiveeffort = {{convert|921|kN|lbf|0|abbr=on}}
| t/e starting = {{convert|612|kN|lbf|0|abbr=on}}{{break}}(Upgradable to 785 kN)
| operator = [[Indian Railways]]
| fleetnumbers = '''60001+'''
| locale = India
| deliverydate = 11 October 2017
| firstrundate = 19 May 2020
}}
The Indian locomotive class '''WAG-12B''' is a class of [[25 kV AC railway electrification|25 kV AC]] twin section [[electric locomotive]]s that was developed in 2017 by [[Alstom]] with technological collaboration with [[Indian Railways]]. The model name stands for wide gauge (W), alternating current (A), goods traffic (G) locomotive-12. They entered trial service in 2019. As March 2026, a total of 598 WAG-12B were built at the [[Electric Locomotive Factory, Madhepura]], [[Bihar]], [[India]].

With a power output of 12,000 hp, the WAG 12 is twice as powerful as its immediate predecessor, [[Indian locomotive class WAG-9|WAG-9]]. The locomotive was developed for use on [[Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India|dedicated freight corridors]], where it is 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}}, doubling the average speed of freight trains in the sector.

== History ==

=== Origins ===

[[File:WAG 12 Indian Railways.png|thumb|306x306px|WAG 12 locomotive details]]

The origins of WAG-12B can be traced back to 2006. When the Government of India approved the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project and set up the [[Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India|DFCCIL]] to build it.<ref name="WAG12 2006">{{cite web |last=Verma |first=Ragini |date=3 September 2013 |title=Six firms vie for Bihar locomotive project |url=http://www.livemint.com/Industry/J13HPpXSANir0rblFIXeKK/Six-firms-vie-for-Bihar-locomotive-project.html |access-date=2 January 2018 |publisher=Livemint }}</ref> In order to run trains at high efficiency, the most powerful Indian locomotive of that era, the [[Indian locomotive class WAG-9|WAG-9]] was deemed inadequate. Instead, new locomotives, for dedicated operations on the two DFCs, were tendered. This was a change to locomotives previously being built at [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works|CLW]] by Indian Railways under technology transfer agreements.<ref name="WAG12 name & delivery">{{cite web |date=1 May 2020 |title=RDSO Develops Worlds most powerful Loco |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/rdso-develops-worlds-most-powerful-loco/articleshow/75481493.cms#:~:text=LUCKNOW%3A%20The%20Research%20Designs%20and,maximum%20speed%20of%20120%20kmph. |website=28 August 2022 |publisher=The Times of India }}</ref>

In June 2008, the [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]] invited bids from global firms to design and manufacture 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.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sanjai |first=P. R. |date=8 July 2008 |title=Railways to buy 660 electric engines for €3.5 billion |url=http://www.livemint.com/Companies/IZA2rlxF0e3xhJnqU07dQO/Railways-to-buy-660-electric-engines-for-35-billion.html |access-date=2 January 2018 |publisher=Livemint }}</ref>

This invitation received bids from [[General Electric]], Alstom, [[Bombardier Transportation]], [[Siemens Mobility]], [[China CNR]] and [[CSR Corporation]]. The number of locomotives to be built was later increased from 660 to 800.<ref name=" WAG12 2006" /> The [[Research Design and Standards Organisation]] published a specification with capability requirements in June 2013,<ref>{{cite web |date=June 2013 |title=Specification RDSO/2006/EL/SPEC/0044, Rev '13' |url=http://dfccil.gov.in/upload/Specification_9000_KW_RDSO_2006_EL_SPEC_0044_Rev_13_with_TE__curve.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124727/http://dfccil.gov.in/upload/Specification_9000_KW_RDSO_2006_EL_SPEC_0044_Rev_13_with_TE__curve.pdf |archive-date=9 February 2019 |access-date=28 August 2022 |website=dfccil.gov.in }}</ref> detailing an eight-axle locomotive intended to be used on [[Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India|dedicated freight corridors]] (DFC). It was not until November 2015, however, that Alstom was finally awarded the contract to build the locomotives.<ref>{{cite web |last=Thakur |first=Raghav |date=11 November 2015 |title=Alstom wins Indian electric locomotive contract |url=http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/asia/alstom-clinches-indian-electric-locomotive-contract.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=2 January 2018 |publisher=[[International Railway Journal]] }}</ref>

=== Development ===

Development began after the [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]] and Alstom signed a contract worth {{INRConvert|25000|c|year=2015|lk=}}.<ref>{{cite web |date=19 May 2020 |title=Alstom's first Prima electric locomotive delivered to Indian Railways begins operation |url=https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2020/5/alstoms-first-prima-electric-locomotive-delivered-indian-railways-begins |access-date=24 May 2020 |website=Alstom |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Railways inks pact with GE, Alstom for loco factories |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/railways-signs-contracts-with-ge-alstom/article7933673.ece |access-date=2 January 2018 |work=The Hindu |date=30 November 2015 }}</ref> and created a joint venture for the project. The first locomotive was initially expected to enter service on 28 February 2018.<ref name="feb 28 launch">{{cite web |title=First electric locomotive from Madhepura factory in Bihar to roll out on February 28 |date=20 December 2017 |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/patna/first-electric-locomotive-from-madhepura-factory-in-bihar-to-roll-out-on-february-28/story-faEqBBYHsUL5ZInctD9qkO.html |access-date=2 January 2018 |publisher=Hindustan Times }}</ref> Alstom announced that the new locomotive would be based on its highly successful [[Alstom Prima#Second generation|Prima T8]] model.. This was the first time in 20 years that Indian Railways procured new locomotives.<ref name="WAG12B order">{{cite web |title=Alstom to supply 800 electric locos to Indian Railways |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/alstom-to-supply-800-electric-locos-to-indian-railways.html |publisher=[[Railway Gazette International]] |access-date=2 January 2018 |archive-date=14 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114234718/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/alstom-to-supply-800-electric-locos-to-indian-railways.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><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 locomotive was launched by [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] in [[Madhepura]], [[Bihar]] on 10 April 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last=Team |first=BS Web |date=10 April 2018 |title=Modi launches India's most powerful electric locomotive in Bihar: 10 facts |work=Business Standard India |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/modi-to-launch-india-s-most-powerful-electric-locomotive-in-bihar-10-facts-118041000209_1.html |access-date=10 April 2018 }}</ref>

=== Production ===
As development of the engines progressed, Alstom awarded [[ABB]] a contract to produce 1600 traction transformers for the locomotives in 2016. These all-weather transformers were to be produced in [[Vadodara]], [[Gujarat]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Prima India locos to have ABB transformers |work=Railway Gazette |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/technology/single-view/view/prima-india-locos-to-have-abb-transformers.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704101319/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/technology/single-view/view/prima-india-locos-to-have-abb-transformers.html |archive-date=4 July 2018 |access-date=2 January 2018 |publisher=[[Railway Gazette International]]}}</ref> In 2017, Alstom awarded a contract to supplying braking systems to [[Knorr-Bremse]]. These brakes were to be produced at [[Palwal]] in the Indian state of [[Haryana]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Knorr-Bremse to supply brakes for Alstom's Indian locomotives |work=Railway Gazette International |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/knorr-bremse-to-supply-brakes-for-alstoms-indian-locomotives.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511102956/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/knorr-bremse-to-supply-brakes-for-alstoms-indian-locomotives.html |archive-date=11 May 2020 |access-date=2 January 2018 }}</ref> The [[Railway coupling|couplers]] of the locomotive were supplied by [[Faiveley Transport]]. 85-90% of the components will be procured within India.<ref name="most powerful loco">{{cite web |date=20 November 2017 |title=Local sourcing to be major focus of Alstom's Madhepura e-loco factory |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/local-sourcing-to-be-nahor-focus-of-alstoms-madhepura-eloco-factory/article9967633.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603103745/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/local-sourcing-to-be-major-focus-of-alstoms-madhepura-eloco-factory/article9967633.ece |archive-date=3 June 2020 |access-date=25 April 2023 |publisher=The Hindu Business Line }}</ref>

The first bodyshell 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,<ref name="WAG12 name & delivery" /> which began on 11 October 2017.<ref name="WAG 12B prod begin" /><ref>{{cite news |newspaper=[[The Indian Express|Financial Express]] |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/photos/business-gallery/897502/indian-railways-electric-locomotive-alstom-make-in-india-madhepura-images-facts/ |title=Indian Railways WAG 12 }}</ref> The first locomotive, numbered 60001, was tested in the Madhepura factory on 27 February 2018, one day before its initial launch date.<ref name="feb 28 launch" /><ref name="test date and fleet number">{{cite web |title=Alstom Prima locomotive for Indian Railways on test |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/alstom-prima-locomotive-for-indian-railways-on-test.html |publisher=Railway Gazette International |access-date=2 March 2018 |date=27 February 2018 }}</ref>

Deliveries of the locomotives were planned from 2018 through 2028, with the first locomotive to enter service in 2018, and a total of five by 2019. This was due 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.<ref name="WAG 12B prod begin">{{cite web |title=Production starts at Indian electric locomotive factory |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/business/single-view/view/production-starts-at-indian-electric-locomotive-factory.html?sword_list[]=WAG&sword_list[]=12&no_cache=1 |publisher=Railway Gazette International |access-date=2 January 2018 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Delivery schedule<ref name="most powerful loco" /><ref>{{cite web |date=20 September 2017 |title=India gets first high-power electric locomotive for freight trains from France |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-gets-first-high-power-electric-locomotive-for-freight-trains-from-france/story-cK4flH4aDekdn8tyFoGWNP.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201165557/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-gets-first-high-power-electric-locomotive-for-freight-trains-from-france/story-cK4flH4aDekdn8tyFoGWNP.html |archive-date=1 February 2023 |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>
|-
! 2018 !! 2019 !! 2020 !! 2021 !! 2022 !! 2023 !! 2024 !! 2025 !! 2026 !! 2027 !! 2028 !! Total
|-
| || 5 || 35 || 60 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || '''800'''
|}

{{clear}}

== Design ==
They are three phase, twin-section [[electric locomotive|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, it is twice as powerful as its immediate predecessor, the [[WAG 9]].<ref name="most powerful loco" /><ref name="regen brake">{{cite news |title=Alstom to manufacture 800 high HP electric locomotives in Madhepura |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/alstom-to-manufacture-800-high-hp-electric-locomotives-in-madhepura/articleshow/49739170.cms |access-date=2 January 2018 |newspaper=Economic Times }}</ref><ref name="first of 10khp">{{cite web |title=India Gets Its First High Horse Power Locomotive From France |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-gets-its-first-high-horse-power-locomotive-from-france-1753112 |access-date=2 January 2018 |publisher=NDTV }}</ref>

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 {{convert|-50|C}} to {{convert|50|C}}. 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—a standard that Indian Railways introduced in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sood |first=Jyotika |title=After 163 years, Railways to put toilets in train engines |date=6 May 2016 |url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/mJQ1KGRQ0jrLGxOITzKhAO/After-163-years-Railways-to-put-toilets-in-train-engines.html |publisher=LiveMint |access-date=5 January 2018 }}</ref>

It will also has systems, including GPS and GPRS-based remote diagnostics, tracking and systems monitoring, wireless control of multiple-unit locomotives, cruise control, autopilot, and an incident recorder.<ref>{{cite web |title=Faster, Fitter & French: 7 Things to Know About India's New High-Power Locomotives |date=23 September 2017 |url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/116452/indian-railways-things-to-know-about-indias-new-high-power-locomotives |publisher=The Better India |access-date=2 January 2018 }}</ref>

== Sub-classes ==
=== WAG-12 ===
This is the original version delivered. Limitations of the original WAG-12 design resulted in modifications and the WAG-12B production model. Only one WAG-12 unit (60001) was made. This unit has since been modified to WAG-12B specification.<ref>[https://i0.wp.com/www.railpost.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/WAG-12A_Madhepura_IR-04.jpg?resize=1024%2C729&ssl=1 WAG-12: Alstom's New 12,000 Hp Locomotive Enters Service On Indian Railways. See Specifications, New Features And More Inside - RailPost.in]{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

=== WAG-12B ===

This is the current version in production, with over 800 units planned. Differences from the original WAG-12 prototype include:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Spec !! WAG-12 !! WAG-12B
|-
|Total length|| 35,000 mm || 38,400 mm
|-
|Bogie design|| Flat solebar || Gooseneck or handlebar shaped solebar
|-
|Traction link coupling between the bogie and body|| Below the driving cab || Turned around and now provided in the middle of the body
|-
|Center to center distance between the bogies || Lower (8,500 mm) || Higher (10,200 mm)
|}

==Locomotive shed==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Zone !! Name !! Shed Code !! Quantity
|-
| [[Central Railway zone|Central Railway]] || [[Nagpur Junction railway station|Nagpur]] || NEDA || 250
|-
|[[Northern Railway zone|Northern Railway]]|| [[Saharanpur Junction railway station|Saharanpur]] || MELS || 248
|-
|[[Western Railway zone|Western Railway]] || [[Diesel Loco Shed, Sabarmati|Sabarmati]] || SBT || 98
|-
| colspan="3" |'''Total locomotives as of March 2026'''<ref>{{cite web |title=e-Locos |url=https://elocos.railnet.gov.in/Holding/holding.html}}</ref>||596
|}

== Incidents ==
On 16 February 2023, WAG-12B #60038, based at Saharanpur, was involved in an accident with WDG-4 70159.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/17819 |title=WAG-12B 60038 |publisher=IRFCA }}</ref> It hit a goods train head on in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/goods-trains-collide-in-sultanpur-no-casualties-lucknow-jaunpur-route-affected/articleshow/97970794.cms |title=Goods trains collide head-on in Sultanpur, no casualties |date=February 16, 2023 |publisher=Times of India }}</ref> and both remained on the tracks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/trains/comments/12qic63/wag_12_destroyed_by_wdg4_in_india/ |title=WAG-12B destroyed by WDG-4 in head-on crash }}</ref>

On the morning of 2 June 2024, a Saharanpur based WAG-12B #60059 was involved in an accident.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWh5QBHuUTQ |title=Derailed WAG-12B 60059 |website=[[YouTube]] |date=16 June 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/trains.of.india/reel/DFnGPWloZkV/ |title=Wreckage of WAG-12B 60059 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/rail_fan_shivam/reel/C8cUegsPAjy/ |title=Wreckage of WAG-12B 60059 }}</ref> A goods train overshot a signal on the DFC corridor near Sirhind Junction, Punjab,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/fatehgarh-sahib-train-collision-punjab-9366915/ |title=Train collision in Punjab |date=2 June 2024 |publisher=Indian Express }}</ref> and hit another stationary goods train. Two drivers were injured in the incident.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://indiarailinfo.com/loco/SRE-WAG-12B-60059/24478 |title=SRE/WAG-12B/60059 |website=indiarailinfo.com }}</ref>{{Unreliable source|date=July 2024}}

==See also==
* [[Rail transport in India]]
* [[Locomotives of India]]
* [[Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.kportal.indianrailways.gov.in/index.php/blog/76-general/144-electric-locomotive-factory-at-madhepura-bihar Electric Locomotive Factory at Madhepura, Bihar]

{{commons category|Indian locomotive class WAG-12}}

{{Broad gauge locomotives of India}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:WAG-12}}
[[Category:Electric locomotives of India]]
[[Category:25 kV AC locomotives]]
[[Category:Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′ locomotives]]
[[Category:5 ft 6 in gauge locomotives]]
[[Category:Alstom locomotives]]
[[Category:Railway locomotives introduced in 2017]]
[[Category:Freight locomotives]]
[[Category:Twin unit locomotives]]

Indian locomotive class WAG-12 - Revision history

Yashvitoursin at 04:16, 4 March 2026