NereidaMccurdy5 at 16:11, 30 April 2026

2026-04-30T16:11:53Z

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{{short description|Indian Railways freight class diesel electric locomotive}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox locomotive
| name = WDG-4G
| powertype = Diesel
| image = WDG4G TWINS.jpg
| caption = Gandhidham based WDG-4G twins at New Jalpaiguri Jn.
| designer = [[GE Transportation|GE Transportation India]], [[Bengaluru]]
| builder = [[GE Transportation|GE Transportation, Erie, Pennsylvania]], [[Diesel Locomotive Factory, Marhowrah]]
| serialnumber =
| buildmodel = [[GE Evolution Series|ES43ACmi]]
| builddate = 3 August 2017 - present
| totalproduction = 582 as of March 2026
| Britishclass = [[Co-Co locomotives|Co-Co]]
| gauge = {{track gauge|1676 mm}}
| bogies = Co-Co Fabricated Bogie
| wheeldiameter = New: {{convert|1092|mm|in|abbr=on}}{{break}}Condemned: {{convert|1016|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| minimumcurve = {{convert|174|m|ft|abbr=on}} radius
| wheelbase = {{convert|1900|mm|ftin|abbr=on}} (adjacent)
| pivotcentres = {{convert|14478|mm|ft|abbr=on}}
| over couplers = {{convert|22567|mm|ft|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|3200|mm|ftin|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|4227|mm|ftin|abbr=on}}
| axleload = {{convert|22|t|ST LT|abbr=on}}
| locoweight = {{convert|132000|kg|ST LT|abbr=on}}
| fueltype = [[Diesel fuel|Diesel]]
| fuelcap = {{convert|6300|L|abbr=on}}
| lubecap = {{convert|1030|L|abbr=on}}
| coolantcap = {{convert|1249|L|abbr=on}}
| sandcap = {{convert|170|L|abbr=on}}
| primemover = [[GE GEVO-12]]
| rpmrange max = 1050 rpm
| enginetype = [[V12 engine|V12]] [[Diesel engine]], [[4-stroke engine]]
| aspiration = [[turbocharger|turbocharged]]
| displacement = 15.7L per cylinder
| alternator = 5GDY100C
| tractionmotors = 5GEB24 [[Alternating current|AC]] traction motors
| cylindercount = 12
| cylindersize = {{convert|250|x|320|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| transmission = [[Diesel–electric]]
| gear ratio = 85:18
| multipleworking = Yes, AAR Type
| coupling = CBC AAR Type-E
| maxspeed = {{convert|100|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}
| poweroutput = {{convert|4,500|hp|kW|abbr=on}}
| tractiveeffort = {{convert|552|kN|abbr=on}} (Maximum)
| t/e starting = {{convert|544|kN|abbr=on}}
| t/e continuous = {{convert|405|kN|abbr=on}}
| factorofadhesion =
| locobrakes = [[Railway air brake|Air]], [[Dynamic braking|Dynamic Brake]]
| trainbrakes = [[Railway air brake|Air]]
| compressorcap = 178 CFM @ 145 psig
| safety =
| locobrakeforce = {{convert|220|kN|abbr=on}}
| operator = [[Indian Railways]]
| fleetnumbers = '''49001+'''
| nicknames =
| locale = All over India
| deliverydate = 12 October 2017
| firstrundate =
| disposition = Active
}}

The '''Indian locomotive class WDG-4G (GE ES43ACmi)'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=ES43ACmi Locomotive |url=https://www.wabteccorp.com/locomotive/medium-weight-locomotives/es43acmi-locomotive |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=Wabtec Corporation |language=en}}</ref> is a class of dual-cabin freight-hauling [[Diesel locomotive|diesel–electric locomotive]] used by the [[Indian Railways]] (IR). The locomotive is designed by [[GE Transportation]] and is based on its [[GE Evolution Series|Evolution Series]], which are used in [[North America]]. The class is meant for freight hauling and replaces the older [[American Locomotive Company]] (ALCO)-designed locomotives, which have been the mainstay diesels of [[Indian Railways]] since 1962. Equipped with a [[V12 engine|12-cylinder]] [[Turbo-diesel|fully turbocharged]] GEVO engine, it is claimed to be 50% more environmentally friendly than its predecessors and is the first in the country to be compliant with level one of the emission norms set by the [[International Union of Railways]] (UIC-1). The locomotive has two cabs for easy reversal, both of which are air conditioned.

The locomotive is part of a 13-year contract between Indian Railways and GE Transportation under which 700 such locomotives will be produced indigenously. [[Diesel Locomotive Factory, Marhowrah]] was set up by GE for the production and supply of these locomotives which is also seen as a boost to the [[Make in India]] initiative. The maintenance of the locomotive will be GE's responsibility which will also have to ensure that 95% of the fleet is ready at all times. For this, real time [[Positive train control|remote tracking]] and [[Fault detection and isolation|fault diagnostics]] has been implemented in the locomotive.

== Locomotive sheds ==
{| class="wikitable"
! Zone !! Name !! Shed code !! Quantity
|-
| [[Northern Railway zone|Northern Railway]] || [[Railway Settlement Roza|Roza]] || ROZD || 225
|-
|[[Western Railway zone|Western Railway]]
|[[Diesel Loco Shed, Gandhidham|Gandhidham]]
|GDLG
|213
|-
|[[South Central Railway zone|South Central Railway]]
|[[Diesel Loco Shed, Gooty|Gooty]]
|GYD
|118
|-
|[[Northeast Frontier Railway zone|Northeast Frontier Railway]]
|[[Diesel Loco Shed, Siliguri|Siliguri]]
|SGUD
|36
|-
|colspan="3" |'''Total active locomotives as of May 2026'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=IR Loco Holding & Availability Targets |url=https://elocos.railnet.gov.in/Holding/Dsl_Mar'2026.pdf |website=elocos.railnet.gov.in |access-date=2026-03-04}}</ref>
|| 592
|}

==Development==
The development of the locomotive can be traced back to a global tender floated by the [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]] for the establishment of two different locomotive factories in [[Bihar]]. The tender also required that over 1,800 freight locomotives be supplied to Indian Railways. By September 2013, bids were received from six global firms: [[Siemens Mobility|Siemens]], [[Alstom]], [[Bombardier Transportation|Bombardier]], [[General Electric]], [[CSR Corporation Limited|CSR Corp]] and CNR Corp.<ref>{{cite web|last=Das|first=Mamuni|date=6 October 2013|title=Chinese firms join race to supply locos to Railways|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/chinese-firms-join-race-to-supply-locos-to-railways/article5207350.ece|website=The Hindu Business Line}}</ref> However, [[Indian Railways]] rejected the bid of both Chinese firms (CSR and CNR) for the two giant manufacturing projects in Bihar.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Railways-denies-Chinese-firms-locomotive-manufacturing-projects-for-non-compliance/articleshow/24621682.cms |title=Railways denies Chinese firms' locomotive manufacturing projects for non-compliance |date=2013-10-24 |website=[[Times of india]] |access-date=2017-12-14}}</ref>

[[File:WDG-4G locomotive at Meerut City Junction.jpg|thumb|WDG-4G locomotive at Meerut City Junction]]

In January 2014, [[Union Council of Ministers|Cabinet]] approval was received for setting up the Diesel Locomotive Factory (DLF) in [[Marhaura|Marhowra]] at an approximate cost of {{INRConvert|2052.58|c}} respectively.<ref>{{cite news|date=14 June 2019|title=Explained: How a GE factory at Marhowra became a 'Make in India' flagship|publisher=Business-Standard|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/explained-how-a-ge-factory-at-marhowra-became-a-make-in-india-flagship-119061400007_1.html|access-date=6 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126123822/https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/explained-how-a-ge-factory-at-marhowra-became-a-make-in-india-flagship-119061400007_1.html|archive-date=26 January 2020}}</ref>

On 9 November 2015, the Ministry of Railways awarded the contracts for [[Madhepura district|Madhepura]] and Marhowra projects to [[Alstom]] and General Electric Transportation respectively in a collective amount of US$6 billion. This multi-crore rupees deal was seen as the country's first [[foreign direct investment]] (FDI) in the railway sector.<ref>{{cite web|date=20 January 2014|title=Setting up of electric locomotive factory at Madhepura and Diesel locomotive factory at Marhowra, Bihar|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=102635|website=Press Information Bureau, Government of India|publisher=Ministry of Railways}}</ref> The design for the locomotive was finalised by the Indian branch of GE Global Research in [[Bangalore]]. Under the contract, GE is stated to supply 700 of 4,500 HP locomotives and 300 of 6,000 HP locomotives. Both the locomotives are based on GE's Evolution-series locomotives, which are claimed to be one of the most fuel efficient and least polluting diesel locomotives in the world.<ref>{{Cite web|title=GE Transportation and BHEL Team-up in Pursuit of 1,000 Locomotive Tender for Indian Railways {{!}} GE News|url=https://www.ge.com/news/press-releases/ge-transportation-and-bhel-team-pursuit-1000-locomotive-tender-indian-railways|access-date=2020-07-07|website=www.ge.com}}</ref>

==Production==
The first 50 locomotives of the class were built at GE Transportation's manufacturing plant in [[Erie]], [[Pennsylvania]] and were shipped to India while the remaining 950 (including 300 [[Indian locomotive class WDG-6G|WDG-6G]] class) are being locally manufactured with 70% local parts under the [[Make in India]] initiative.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Adani Ports delivers 50 US made GE locomotives to Indian Railways|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/biz-tech/2018/12/26/Adani-Ports-delivers-50-US-made-GE-locomotives-to-Indian-Railways.html|access-date=2020-07-06|website=The Week|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Railways to get high-speed locomotives|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2019/jan/22/railways-to-get-high-speed-locomotives-1928455.html|access-date=2020-07-07|website=[[New Indian Express]]|archive-date=7 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707142501/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2019/jan/22/railways-to-get-high-speed-locomotives-1928455.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> The locomotives will be built and assembled at the [[Diesel Locomotive Factory, Marhowrah]] in [[Bihar]] which is a [[joint venture]] between [[Indian Railways]] and [[General Electric]] with the former owning a 26% stake and the latter owning the remaining 74%.<ref name="India receives first GE locomotive">{{cite web|last=Saluja|first=Nishtha|date=11 October 2017|title=India receives first GE locomotive under $2.5 billion deal|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/india-receives-first-ge-locomotive-under-2-5-billion-deal/articleshow/61035592.cms|publisher=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref>

{{anchor|DYK}}The first locomotive rolled out of GE's Erie plant on 3 August 2017 with an orange and yellow livery that required {{Convert|190|l|USgal impgal|abbr=}} of paint.<ref>{{cite web|date=3 August 2017|title=GE reveals Indian Railways Evolution locomotive livery|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/ge-reveals-indian-railways-evolution-locomotive-livery.html|publisher=[[Railway Gazette International]]|access-date=9 February 2018|archive-date=12 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712111211/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/ge-reveals-indian-railways-evolution-locomotive-livery.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first shipment arrived in India on 11 October 2017 and the import order was completed on 23 November 2018 with the 50th locomotive's arrival at [[Mundra Port]], [[Gujarat]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web|date=12 October 2017|title=Marhowra deal: General Electric's first diesel loco arrives in India|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/business/companies/marhowra-deal-general-electrics-first-diesel-loco-arrives-in-india-4885938/|website=The Indian Express|publisher=Express News Service}}</ref>

An average of 100 locomotives will be produced per year for 10 years starting from 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-02-11|title=Indian Railways to get new GE diesel locomotives by February-end under $2.5 billion 'Make in India' project|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/indian-railways-ge-locomotives-diesel-make-in-india-speed-features/1061915/|access-date=2020-07-09|website=[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]]|language=en-US}}</ref> GE would be responsible for the fleet's maintenance during the first thirteen years of the contract, after which Indian Railways would be handed over the responsibility.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|date=9 November 2015|title=GE wins 1000 locomotive contract|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/business/single-view/view/ge-wins-1000-locomotive-indian-railways-deal.html|website=Railway Gazette International|access-date=9 February 2018|archive-date=25 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425120948/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/business/single-view/view/ge-wins-1000-locomotive-indian-railways-deal.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Specifications ==

=== Traction ===
The [[Prime mover (locomotive)|prime-mover]] is a GE Evolution Series [[V12 engine|12 cylinder]] [[Turbocharger|turbocharged]] [[Internal combustion engine|internal combustion]] [[diesel engine]] which produces 4,500 horsepower and transmits 4,261 HP to the wheels through six [[traction motor]]s, one on each [[axle]] ([[Co-Co locomotives|Co'Co']] configuration). Each axle's traction motor can be individually controlled to maintain maximum [[torque]] and [[tractive effort]], up to 554 kN, even during conditions that induce [[Slippery rail|wheel-slip]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Indian Railways receive first two locomotives from GE Transportation|url=https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/66656/indian-railways-receive-first-two-locomotives-ge-transportation/|access-date=2020-07-07|website=Global Railway Review|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web|date=2018-02-23|title=Railways inducts high power locomotives under PPP accord with GE|url=https://www.zeebiz.com/india/news-railways-inducts-high-power-locomotives-under-ppp-accord-with-ge-37721|access-date=2020-07-07|website=Zee Business}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite book|url=https://rdso.indianrailways.gov.in/works/uploads/File/WDG4G%20%20Provisional%20speed%20Certificate%20for%20operation%20at%20maximum%20speed%20of%2065%20kmph(1).pdf|title=WDG4G provisional speed certificate|publisher=[[Research Design and Standards Organisation]]}}</ref> The tier-1 GEVO (evolution series) engine is claimed to have 50% lower emission than previous locomotives in IR and is the first in its fleet to comply with UIC-1 [[Vehicle emission standard|emission standards]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Singh|first=Sudheer|date=11 October 2017|title=India receives first GE locomotive under $2.5 billion deal - ET EnergyWorld|url=http://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/oil-and-gas/india-receives-first-ge-locomotive-under-2-5-billion-deal/61035106|access-date=7 June 2020|website=ETEnergyworld.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-10-12|title=First GE Evolution Series diesel locomotive from the US arrives in India|url=https://www.americanbazaaronline.com/2017/10/12/first-ge-evolution-series-diesel-locomotive-from-the-us-arrives-in-india-429634/|access-date=2020-07-07|website=The American Bazaar|language=en-US}}</ref> The motors are driven by [[Insulated-gate bipolar transistor|IGBT]] (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) technology which allows for higher power gain and efficiency than the previous generation [[Gate turn-off thyristor]]s.<ref name=":3" /> The locomotive has a reduced fuel consumption than its predecessors due to an electronic fuel-injection system installed on it.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-09-19|title=Railways approves GE locomotives for operation|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/railways-approves-ge-locomotives-for-operation/articleshow/65871230.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2020-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Energy efficiency technologies for railways |url=https://www.railway-energy.org/static/IGBT_28.php |website=Railway-energy}}</ref>

The locomotive has a top speed of {{Convert|100|km/h|mph|abbr=}} and weighs {{Convert|127.89|t|LT ST|abbr=}}. The [[fuel tank]] has a capacity of {{Convert|6300|l|USgal|abbr=}} out of which {{Convert|6000|l|USgal|abbr=}} is usable during normal operations. The locomotive is capable of [[Multiple-unit train control|multiple unit]] operations which allows more load to be transported by attaching two or more locomotives controlled by the same crew.<ref>{{Cite web|title=GE Transportation Locomotive Product Catalog|url=https://issuu.com/getransportation/docs/ge-locomotive-product-catalog-2016|access-date=2020-07-09|website=Issuu|language=en|archive-date=6 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906080357/https://issuu.com/getransportation/docs/ge-locomotive-product-catalog-2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== Safety ===
A crash hardened [[Data logger|event recorder/data logger]] has been provided on every such locomotive along with a [[Dead man's switch|vigilance control unit]]. The brakes are microprocessor controlled [[railway air brake]]s along with [[Dynamic braking|dynamic brakes]] which can produce a combined maximum braking effort of 270 kN.<ref name=":4" /> A self load feature allows the locomotive to gauge its performance while the cell modem would enable real time remote monitoring of the locomotive's performance and health.<ref name=":3" />

The cab is strengthened to comply with cab frontal collision as per [[Research Design and Standards Organisation|RDSO]] specifications (EN12663) and equipped with fire-fighting equipment for crew safety. Additionally, the cabs, control units and their compartments are made using fire retardant material.<ref name=":4" />

=== Crew amenities ===
Unlike older locomotives of Indian Railways, the WDG-4G has various facilities for crew comfort and utilities, including [[temperature control]] and heated [[windshield]]s. Each locomotive comes fitted with a [[Flush toilet|water closet]] for crew comfort, a feature which has been largely missing on most Indian locomotives. A [[hot plate]] is also provided for heating meals while on the run. Additional features such as soundproofing of the driver cabs and charging sockets for cellphones have reportedly made the locomotive popular among loco-pilots.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Narayanan|first=Vivek|date=2019-12-23|title=Loco pilots of long-distance trains demand toilets be set up in engine cabins|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/loco-pilots-of-long-distance-trains-demand-toilets-be-set-up-in-engine-cabins/article30378104.ece|access-date=2020-07-07|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Das|first=Mamuni|title=With hotplate, toilet, less noise, phone-chargers & AC, Wabtec makes locos easier to work in|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/with-hotplate-toilet-less-noise-phone-chargers-ac-wabtec-makes-locos-easier-to-work-in/article30289173.ece|access-date=2020-07-07|website=@businessline|date=13 December 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

== Operation ==
The locomotive class operates out of two sheds (maintenance depots), each controlled by [[Wabtec]] (which acquired GE Transportation in 2018). One of the sheds is under the [[Western Railway zone]] in [[Gandhidham Junction railway station|Gandhidham]], [[Gujarat]], while the other one is under the [[Northern Railway zone]] in [[Railway Settlement Roza|Roza]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], where a total of 438 locomotives have entered service (as of January 2026).<ref>{{Cite web|date=1 July 2020|title=Diesel locomotives availability target|url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,304,366,541,710,717|access-date=3 July 2020|website=Ministry of Railways (Railway Board)|publisher=Mechanical Engineering (traction)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last= |date=2017-06-01 |title=GE Transportation unveils Indian Railways Evolution locomotive|url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/ge-transportation-unveils-indian-railways-evolution-locomotive/44596.article|access-date=2020-07-09|website=Railway Gazette International}}</ref> The remaining 200 locos will be distributed between the [[Diesel Loco Shed, Gooty|Gooty Diesel Shed]] and [[Diesel Loco Shed, Siliguri|Siliguri Diesel Shed]]. GE has said that real time tracking will be undertaken during the locomotives' operations to "increase productivity and minimize time duration".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-02-22|title=Indian Railways gets two new diesel–electric locomotives from GE; project to boost Rail infrastructure|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/indian-railways-gets-two-new-diesel-electric-locomotives-from-ge-project-to-boost-rail-infrastructure/1075605/|access-date=2020-07-06|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}</ref> As part of its contract on the maintenance and upkeep of the locomotives, Wabtec has to keep 95% of the fleet in operational condition, failure of which would result in a penalty from Indian Railways.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Das|first=Mamuni|title=What keeps Wabtec's locomotives running 95% of the time|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/what-keeps-wabtecs-locomotives-running-95-of-the-time/article30469925.ece|access-date=2020-07-06|website=@businessline|date=3 January 2020 |language=en}}</ref>

The locomotives are to take over the freight hauling duties from older locomotives in Indian Railways' fleet, mainly ALCO and [[Electro-Motive Diesel|EMD]] locos. The former was the last major import shipment for IR which was in 1962 when IR acquired the [[Indian locomotive class WDM-2|WDM-2]] series of locomotives.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-02-02|title=New Indian GE locos enter service|language=en-GB|work=[[The Railway Magazine]]|url=https://www.railwaymagazine.co.uk/7961/new-indian-ge-locos-enter-service/|access-date=2020-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=PTI|date=2018-12-26|title=Adani Ports delivers 50 US-made GE locomotives to railways|url=https://www.livemint.com/Companies/tjykXQ1P1jYyr3NfGjf1NK/Adani-Ports-delivers-50-USmade-GE-locomotives-to-railways.html|access-date=2020-07-07|website=Livemint|language=en}}</ref> The axle load of the locomotive has been kept at a minimal 22 tonnes per axle to allow operations all over the Indian Railway network which has a lower axle load limit.<ref name=":4" />

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Broad gauge locomotives of India|state=collapsed}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:WDG-4G}}
[[Category:Diesel–electric locomotives of India|G-4G]]
[[Category:Co-Co locomotives]]
[[Category:General Electric locomotives|Evolution Series WDG-4G]]
[[Category:5 ft 6 in gauge locomotives]]
[[Category:Freight locomotives]]
[[Category:Railway locomotives introduced in 2017]]

Indian locomotive class WDG-4G - Revision history

NereidaMccurdy5 at 16:11, 30 April 2026