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Indian locomotive class WAP-4
Indian locomotive class WAP-4
from Wikipedia

WAP-4
Arakkonam based WAP-4 at Bilaspur Jn.
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderChittaranjan Locomotive Works
Build date1993 till 2 December 2015
Total produced778 (1993-2015)
Specifications
Configuration:
 • AARC-C
 • UICCo'-Co'
Gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)
BogiesCo-Co Flexicoil Mark 90 cast bogies; primary and secondary wheel springs with bolsters
Wheel diameterNew: 1,092 mm (3 ft 7 in)
Half worn: 1,055 mm (3 ft 5+12 in)
Full worn: 1,016 mm (3 ft 4 in)
Length18.794 m (61 ft 7+2932 in)
Width3.179 m (10 ft 5+532 in)
Height4.272 m (14 ft 316 in)
Axle load18,800 kg (41,400 lb)
Loco weight116,000 kg (256,000 lb)
Electric system/s25 kV 50 Hz AC Overhead
Current pickupPantograph
Traction motorsHitachi HS15250
Loco brakeAir
Train brakesAir
Safety systemsSlip control, Over voltage relay, Main overload relay, Earth Fault Relay, Low Pressure Governor, Brake Cylinder Cutoff Valve, Train parting alarms and No OHE volt relay
Performance figures
Maximum speed140 km/h (87 mph)
Power output:
 • Continuous5,050 hp (3,766 kW)
Tractive effort:
 • Starting30,800 kgf (302 kN; 68,000 lbf)
Career
OperatorsIndian Railways
Numbers22061 and from 22201-22399, 22500-22999 & 25000-25051
LocaleAll over India
DispositionActive

The Indian locomotive class WAP-4 is a class of 25 kV AC electric locomotives that was developed in 1993 by Chittaranjan Locomotive Works for Indian Railways. The model name stands for broad gauge (W), AC Current (A), Passenger traffic (P) locomotive, 4th generation (4). They entered service in late 1994. A total of 778 WAP-4 were built at CLW between 1993 and 2015, which made them the most numerous class of mainline electric passenger locomotive until the WAP-7.

Bhusawal Shed WAP-4 at Dadar Terminus (Central Railway)

The WAP-4 is one of the most successful locomotives of Indian Railways[peacock prose] serving passenger trains for over 29 years. This class provided the basic design for other locomotives like the WAP-6. Despite the introduction of more modern types of locomotives like WAP-7, a significant number are still in use, both in mainline duties. Production of this class was halted in December 2015 with locomotive number 25051 being the last unit to be rolled out.

As of March 2025, all locomotives except those lost in accidents still retain "operational status" on the mainline as WAP-4, with further examples having been converted from WAP-6.[1]

History

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Development

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The WAP-4 class was developed after its predecessor, the WAP-1, was found inadequate to haul the longer, heavier express trains (24-26 coaches) that were becoming the mainstay of the Indian Railways network. IR/RDSO had realized that the reason for the WAP-1’s performance problems were the low-powered 770 hp Alstom TAO 659 traction motors. These were previously used with for the WAM-4 and WAG-5 classes but were too underpowered for modern requirements. At that time, new 840 hp Hitachi 15250 traction motors which had been adopted for use on newer WAG-5s was showing promise. So, these traction motors were adopted on to WAP-1s Flex-icoil Mark I fabricated bogies, and with a new indigenously designed 5400 kVA transformer and silicon rectifiers.[2]

It also was among the first locomotives to get a microprocessor-based control and fault diagnostics system. To accommodate the heavier Hitachi motors without increasing its 112t overall weight, the WAP-4 was made substantially lighter by the widespread use of aluminum materials in construction. The underframe of WAP-4 is narrower and lighter and also completely different from that of the WAP-1 to enable it to handle higher loads.[3][page needed][4][page needed]

Design

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(front) newer loco with (back) older series unit

The loco has a streamlined twin cab carbody design, with top-mounted headlamps. The first 150 or so units had the headlamp mounted at waist level, with the lights being mounted in a protruding nacelle. Later on the headlamps were placed in a recessed nacelle, and from road # 22573 onward, the headlamps were moved to the top. Newer locos also feature larger windshields, more spacious driver cabin with bucket type seats and ergonomic controls. The control panel also features a mix of digital and analog displays in newer units (all analog display in older versions).[5][page needed]

Production

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The first WAP-4 unit, #22201 rolled out from CLW on April 25, 1994. They looked exactly like the WAP-1, even sporting the same livery. From 2000, newer versions with many WAP-5 design cues like square type windscreens, twin-beam headlights, speed recorders and some changes to the control electronics had been rolled out recently.[citation needed]

However, in the face of the advent of three-phase AC traction motors, IGBT-controlled AC drives, and full computer controls, the DC traction motors were getting increasingly outdated. As a result, after over 20 years, production of the WAP-4 locomotives ceased on November 1, 2015, with the 776th unit, #25051, being rolled out.[6][page needed]

Service

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The WAP-4s were developed at the same time IR gave procurement orders for WAP-5 locomotives, as they were meant for more general duties of hauling 24-coach expresses while WAP-5 were specially meant for high-speed operations.[citation needed]

Recently[when?] as per directive received from Railway Board,[which?] all the loco sheds holding WAP-4 type locomotives have started multiple unit (MU) operations. This configuration of MU-fitted WAP-4 locos are being used to haul medium tonnage faster freight trains across IR. The different locomotive sheds of WAP-4 are Arakkonam, Santragachi, Erode, Mughalsarai, Howrah and Bhusaval.[7]

Livery

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All WAP-4s are painted in the same red-black with a yellow/cream band livery, though the shade of the red differs from shed to shed, from the blazing crimson red of Santragachi SRC/SER to the orange of Erode ED/SR.

Locomotive sheds

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Zone Shed Name Code Quantity
Central Railway Bhusaval BSLL 71
Eastern Railway Howrah HWHE 42
HWHD 38
East Central Railway Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya DDUE 11
Samastipur SPJD 73
Northern Railway Tughlakabad TKDD 47
Alambagh AMVD 2
North Central Railway Jhansi JHSE 38
North Eastern Railway Gorakhpur GKPL 42
Izzatnagar IZND 45
Southern Railway Arakkonam AJJE 98
Erode EDE 25
Erode EDDX 46
South Central Railway Vijayawada BZAE 63
South Eastern Railway Santragachi SRCE 60
Western Railway Valsad BLEE 21
Vatva VTAD 40
Ratlam RTMD 10
Total locomotives active as of October 2025[8] 772

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Indian locomotive class WAP-4 is a class of 25 kV AC electric locomotives designed for passenger service on ' 1,676 broad gauge network, featuring a Co-Co with six HS-15250 nose-suspended traction motors providing a continuous power output of 5,000 hp (3,700 kW) and a starting of 32 tonnes. Weighing 112 tonnes with an of 18.8 tonnes, it utilizes Flexicoil cast bogies and is equipped with rheostatic, , and air braking systems for reliable operation. Developed by Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) in 1993–1994 as a more powerful successor to the WAP-1 class, the WAP-4 addressed the need for hauling extended passenger consists of 24–26 coaches at sustained speeds of up to 140 km/h (service maximum), with a maximum speed of 180 km/h in tests. The first unit, WAP-4 #22201 named "Ashok," rolled out on August 27, 1994, marking CLW's entry into high-horsepower passenger locomotives. A total of 778 examples were produced at CLW from 1994 until manufacturing ceased in 2015, shifting focus to three-phase IGBT-based models like the WAP-7. In service across multiple zones and sheds, the WAP-4 powers key express trains including Rajdhani and Shatabdi services, operating on 50 Hz overhead lines with traditional tap-changer control and enhancements in later variants for improved efficiency and wheel-slip prevention via sanders. Its robust design, including a high-tensile body, has made it a mainstay for non-electrified-to-electrified route conversions, though ongoing modifications address issues like pivot pin weld failures and upgrades for better reliability. With a maximum speed capability of 180 km/h in tests, the class remains vital for India's electrified network, which spans over 68,000 km as of 2025.

Background and Development

Origins and Evolution

The WAP class of locomotives in follows a standardized system, where "W" denotes broad gauge (1,676 mm), "A" indicates (AC) electric traction at 25 kV 50 Hz, and "P" signifies primary use for passenger services. This classification emerged as part of ' broader adoption of AC in the mid-20th century, distinguishing passenger-oriented designs from freight (WAG) or mixed-traffic (WAM) variants. The evolution of the WAP-4 traces back to the limitations of its predecessor, the WAP-1, which entered production in the early 1980s at (CLW) as the first dedicated high-speed AC passenger locomotive. Designed initially for 18-coach trains like the Howrah-Delhi , the WAP-1 proved inadequate for the increasing demand of longer express trains by the early 1990s, typically requiring 24-26 coaches to accommodate rising passenger volumes. Prototypes such as the WAP-2 and WAP-3, developed as variants of the WAP-1 with modified bogies for higher speeds (up to 140-160 km/h), were tested in the late 1980s but faced reliability issues, including structural cracks, leading to their limited adoption or reversion to standard WAP-1 configurations. These shortcomings underscored the need for a more powerful locomotive capable of hauling extended rakes without additional banking assistance on gradients, prompting the (RDSO) to initiate the WAP-4 project, with design specifications published in November 1993. This development was enabled by ' aggressive electrification expansion during the 1980s and 1990s, which transformed key trunk routes from diesel to electric traction to support and traffic surges. By the mid-1980s, approximately 4,500 route kilometers had been electrified, including the completion of the full Howrah-Delhi main line in , which facilitated high-capacity passenger services across northern and eastern . The WAP-4 drew basic design influences from the proven WAM-4 freight , adapting its Co-Co and traction components for passenger hauling while incorporating enhancements for speed and efficiency.

Initial Development

The development of the Indian locomotive class WAP-4 began in 1993 at (CLW) as part of ' broader electrification initiative to modernize passenger services and accommodate increasing train lengths on electrified routes. This project addressed the need for a more powerful capable of handling heavier passenger loads without requiring additional banking assistance on gradients, building on the foundations of prior WAP classes that had proven insufficient for evolving operational demands. CLW collaborated with to integrate advanced HS-15250 traction , which were axle-hung and nose-suspended, enabling higher power delivery while maintaining compatibility with the 25 kV AC overhead system. The design, approved by the (RDSO) and published in November 1993, emphasized weight reduction through features like an aluminum foil-wound and lighter underframe to offset the heavier without exceeding the 112-tonne limit. The first prototype, designated unit #22201, rolled out from CLW on April 25, 1994, marking the culmination of the initial engineering phase. Key objectives included boosting continuous power output from the WAP-1's 3,760 hp to 5,000 hp, which facilitated superior acceleration for trains of up to 26 coaches and supported maximum speeds of 140 km/h on mainline sections. Additionally, the WAP-4 introduced microprocessor-based control and fault diagnostic systems, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability through automated monitoring and adjustments.

Design and Technical Features

Structural Design

The Indian locomotive class WAP-4 employs a , featuring six powered axles distributed across two three-axle bogies, which ensures enhanced stability and traction during high-speed passenger operations. This configuration supports the locomotive's total weight of 112.8 tonnes (112,800 kg), balancing load distribution to minimize axle stress on tracks. The adopts a streamlined twin-cab characterized by a high short hood for aerodynamic , with the body constructed from lightweight aluminum panels that contribute to overall weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity; the total length measures 18.794 m. These panels are fabricated to withstand operational stresses, including vibrations and impacts common in rail service. Ergonomic enhancements in the cab include an improved driver's compartment for crew comfort during extended runs, improved seating arrangements with adjustable bucket-style seats to reduce fatigue, and top-mounted headlamps introduced in later models to improve forward visibility, particularly in adverse weather conditions. These features prioritize operator safety and without compromising the locomotive's compact profile. The bogies utilize Flexicoil cast steel design with high-adhesion features, equipped with advanced suspension systems comprising primary and secondary stages using helical springs for smooth ride quality and load transfer. This setup enables a maximum operational speed of 140 km/h, with provisions for stability at elevated velocities through and equalizer mechanisms that absorb track irregularities.

Electrical and Traction Systems

The WAP-4 class operates on ' standard 25 kV, 50 Hz AC overhead system, drawing power through two single-arm Stone India AM-12 pantographs mounted on the roof (Faiveley in some later units). These pantographs ensure reliable contact with the wire, enabling high-speed passenger service while accommodating the locomotive's operational demands. The onboard main , rated at 5,400 kVA, steps down the incoming 25 kV AC supply to approximately 1,730 V (two parallel circuits of 865 V each) for the traction circuit. This AC power is then rectified to DC using two bridge-connected silicon assemblies, providing stable low-voltage DC for propulsion. Propulsion is driven by six axle-hung, nose-suspended HS-15250 DC series traction motors, each delivering 840 hp (630 kW) at 750 V and 900 A continuously, for a total rated power output of 5,000 hp (3,700 kW). These motors offer improved compared to the earlier WAP-1 class, enhancing for passenger loads. The utilizes a tap-changer mechanism with rectifiers for stepped , ensuring smooth acceleration and precise speed control; later variants incorporate enhancements for improved efficiency. is incorporated, allowing the traction motors to function as generators during deceleration, feeding energy back to the to reduce overall power consumption. The is equipped with rheostatic, , and air braking systems for reliable operation.

Production

Manufacturing Process

The WAP-4 locomotives are primarily manufactured at (CLW) in , , which serves as the main production facility for electric locomotives of . Key components, such as the HS-15250 traction motors, are sourced from to meet the locomotive's power requirements of approximately 5,060 horsepower. Bogies are fabricated in accordance with (RDSO) specifications, utilizing a conventional FLEXICOIL Co-Co design optimized for high-speed passenger service. The assembly process at CLW spans multiple specialized workshops, taking about 75 days to integrate over 3,500 components into a complete . It begins with the and fabrication of the underframe and body shell in the shell shop, followed by the mounting of bogies and suspension systems. Electrical integration occurs next, involving the installation of the main transformer, pantographs, and traction motors in dedicated electrical and machine shops. The driver's cab is then fitted with control panels, , and safety features, after which the locomotive receives its final wiring, painting, and cosmetic finishing. Quality assurance is overseen through RDSO protocols, ensuring compliance with standards at every stage, from to final assembly verification. Each completed WAP-4 undergoes comprehensive testing, including static load checks, dynamic performance evaluations, and field load trials on test tracks to validate traction, braking, and speed capabilities up to 140 km/h before commissioning. These trials simulate operational conditions to confirm reliability and safety. In the mid-2000s, CLW advanced efforts, transitioning to in-house production of critical components like certain electrical sub-assemblies and cast steel parts through its integrated and facilities, thereby reducing import dependency and enhancing in manufacturing. This shift supported cost efficiency while maintaining adherence to RDSO-approved specifications for aluminum body construction and overall structural integrity.

Production Timeline and Totals

The production of the Indian locomotive class WAP-4 commenced in 1993 at (CLW), the primary manufacturing site, with the initial batch consisting of 10 units rolled out in 1994. The first locomotive, serial number 22201 named "Ashok," was flagged off on August 27, 1994, marking the start of series production for this class designed for enhanced hauling. Subsequent years saw steady output, with production rates peaking at over 50 units per year during the 2000s to address the expanding needs of ' electrified network. By the end of the manufacturing run, a total of 778 units had been built, bearing serial numbers from 22201 to 25051. This figure includes early conversions of 12 WAP-1 locomotives to the WAP-4 configuration in 1994. Production concluded on November 1, 2015, with the final unit, 25051, rolling out from CLW. The cessation of WAP-4 manufacture was driven by the growing obsolescence of its DC traction motors, which were less efficient and reliable compared to the three-phase AC traction systems introduced in advanced classes like the WAP-7, prompting a strategic shift toward more modern locomotives. Since 2015, no new WAP-4 units have entered production, though minor adaptations from the WAM-4 class, such as gear ratio modifications for passenger service, have occasionally supplemented the fleet.

Operational History

Introduction and Early Service

The Indian locomotive class WAP-4 represents a key evolution in ' electric passenger traction, designed as an upgraded variant of the WAP-1 to handle increased train loads and speeds on electrified networks. The first unit, numbered 22061 and named "Ashok," was commissioned at on August 27, 1994, marking the start of production for this class. Initial rollout focused on integrating advanced features like HS-15250 traction motors, providing a starting power output of 5,350 hp (3,990 kW), enabling better acceleration for express services. Entering revenue service in 1995, the WAP-4 quickly took on roles hauling extended 24-coach expresses on major trunk routes, including early deployments under Eastern Railway for high-traffic lines like Howrah-Delhi. By 1996, allocations expanded rapidly to Central and Southern Railways, where units were based at sheds such as , supporting dense corridors and progressively replacing the less powerful WAP-1 class on premium passenger duties. Early operations highlighted the locomotive's capability for 140 km/h speeds following RDSO certification, though practical limits were set at 130 km/h due to track and constraints. By 2000, with over 150 units produced, the WAP-4 had become the most numerous dedicated passenger in the fleet, powering key expresses that laid the groundwork for later Rajdhani services.

Upgrades and Performance Enhancements

Retrofitting of GPS components began in the mid-2010s on WAP-4 fleets to improve signaling accuracy and safety, enabling real-time location tracking, with plans to equip over 2,700 by 2018. Integration with advanced train protection systems, including elements compatible with the indigenous Kavach system, has been implemented on select units as of 2025 for enhanced automatic train protection. The locomotive features regenerative and electro-pneumatic braking systems, permitting sustained speeds of 130 km/h while hauling up to 26 coaches on level tracks without exceeding thermal limits. Around 2020, (MU) operation was enabled through retrofits on older units, facilitating double-heading configurations for heavier passenger loads and better profiles. These modifications have contributed to ongoing reliability improvements through RDSO action plans focusing on traction and auxiliary components.

Current Operations and Deployment

Service Profile

The WAP-4 class locomotives primarily serve as the backbone for hauling express and passenger trains across ' electrified broad-gauge network. Designed for high-speed passenger operations, these 5,000 hp units are capable of accelerating loads of 24 to 26 LHB or ICF coaches to a maximum speed of 140 km/h, making them suitable for long-distance services that demand reliability and efficiency on undulating terrains. Their robust Co-Co and DC traction motors enable consistent performance without the need for banking engines on steep gradients, contributing to smoother operations on key electrified corridors. In the modern Indian Railways passenger network, WAP-4 locomotives are deployed on major routes such as the Mumbai-Delhi trunk line, the Chennai-Kolkata corridor via , and southern lines connecting to and beyond. These routes form critical arteries for inter-city travel, where WAP-4s power various superfast and mail trains, as well as regional services. Occasionally, they handle mixed-traffic duties, including lighter freight consists during off-peak hours, leveraging their versatility to support overall network throughput. As of October 2025, maintains approximately 772 active WAP-4 units, which collectively account for a significant portion of passenger services on high-density lines. Upgrades to traction control and auxiliary systems have extended their viability for longer hauls, ensuring they remain integral to operations despite the introduction of newer classes. With the expanding electrified network, the class continues to play a vital role in secondary and regional lines.

Locomotive Shed Allocations

As of October 2025, operates 772 active WAP-4 locomotives, distributed across 17 electric loco sheds primarily in electrified zones with high passenger traffic demands. The largest allocations are at Electric Loco Shed (Southern Railway) with 150 units, Electric Loco Shed (Southern Railway) with 98 units, Santragachi Electric Loco Shed (Eastern Railway) with 60 units, and Bhusawal Electric Loco Shed (Central Railway) with 42 units. These sheds handle routine maintenance and are strategically located near major passenger corridors to support efficient deployment for express and train services. Zonally, the Southern Railway holds approximately 35% of the fleet (about 270 units), followed by the Central Railway at around 25%, with the remaining distributed among Eastern, South Central, Western, and other zones. Maintenance for WAP-4 locomotives involves major overhauls every 12-18 months, conducted either at (CLW) or at the respective shed facilities, ensuring reliability for high-speed passenger operations.
ShedZoneWAP-4 Units
(RPM)Southern150
(AJJ)Southern98
Santragachi (SRC)Eastern60
(BSL)Central42

Liveries and Variants

Standard Liveries

The standard livery for the Indian locomotive class WAP-4, introduced in , features a bright red body with black hoods and roof, complemented by a narrow yellow safety stripe along the sides for enhanced visibility. This scheme was factory-applied at (CLW) during production, with periodic touch-ups performed at locomotive sheds to maintain appearance and corrosion resistance. By the early 2000s, the evolved to incorporate a cream band above the red lower section, replacing or supplementing the yellow stripe in many units, while retaining the black roof for ; this update improved aesthetic consistency across the fleet without altering the core color palette. The design placement emphasizes the locomotive's streamlined cab, where the cream or yellow bands wrap around the front for a distinctive profile. In the early 2000s, a variant of the standard emerged for select sheds, adopting a blue body with cream and white bands, applied to units from sheds like Santragachi and ; this blue scheme represents one of three main types alongside the original red and the cream-banded iteration. While not universal, it has been used on units from sheds like Santragachi and , with ongoing maintenance at sheds ensuring adherence to guidelines.

Special Variants and Modifications

The WAP-4 locomotives at the Electric Loco Shed (AJJ) have earned the informal nickname "" among enthusiasts, with some units featuring a thunderbolt emblem on the front and rear as a visual identifier for the AJJ fleet. Additionally, one-off liveries have been applied to select WAP-4 units for commemorative events, such as tricolour schemes for national celebrations including India's 78th Independence Day in 2024 and the 170th anniversary of in 2023, featuring heritage motifs to highlight the class's enduring role. Select units have also received unique shed-specific liveries, such as the cyclamen-purple scheme used at (BZA) shed.

References

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