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Indian locomotive class WAP-4
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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.

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
[edit]Development
[edit]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
[edit]
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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]| 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]Notes
[edit]- ^ "Listing All Locos - IRFCA Locomotive Database". www.irfca.org. Retrieved 26 March 2025.
- ^ "RDSO document" (PDF). www.rdso.indianrailways.gov.in. 29 January 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 July 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
- ^ Maharajpur, Gwalior (May 2002). "FLEXICOIL BOGIES MARK - I" (PDF). rdso.indianrailways.gov.in.
- ^ "Procedure for Welding of Centre Pivot Pin to The Underframe of WAP-4 & WAG-7 Locomotives" (PDF). rdso.indianrailways.gov.in. October 2001.
- ^ "Study on Bogie and Suspension System of an Electric Locomotive" (PDF). www.ijmer.com. April 2014. ISSN 2249-6645.
- ^ "MINUTES OF XXXVII MAINTENANCE STUDY GROUP (ELECTRIC LOCO) MEETING" (PDF). rdso.indianrailways.gov.in. 24–25 July 2015.
- ^ "Waltair Division to use WAP-4 model locos for freight operations". 14 September 2020.
- ^ "e-Locos".
Bibliography
[edit]- Hughes, Hugh (1996). Indian Locomotives: Part 4 – 1941–1990. Harrow, Middlesex: The Continental Railway Circle. ISBN 0-9521655-1-1. OCLC 35135033.
Indian locomotive class WAP-4
View on GrokipediaBackground and Development
Origins and Evolution
The WAP class of locomotives in Indian Railways follows a standardized nomenclature system, where "W" denotes broad gauge (1,676 mm), "A" indicates alternating current (AC) electric traction at 25 kV 50 Hz, and "P" signifies primary use for passenger services.[6] This classification emerged as part of Indian Railways' broader adoption of AC electrification in the mid-20th century, distinguishing passenger-oriented designs from freight (WAG) or mixed-traffic (WAM) variants.[6] 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 Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) as the first dedicated high-speed AC passenger locomotive.[7] Designed initially for 18-coach trains like the Howrah-Delhi Rajdhani Express, 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.[7] 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.[8] These shortcomings underscored the need for a more powerful locomotive capable of hauling extended rakes without additional banking assistance on gradients, prompting the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) to initiate the WAP-4 project, with design specifications published in November 1993.[9] This development was enabled by Indian Railways' aggressive electrification expansion during the 1980s and 1990s, which transformed key trunk routes from diesel to electric traction to support economic growth and traffic surges.[10] By the mid-1980s, approximately 4,500 route kilometers had been electrified, including the completion of the full Howrah-Delhi main line in 1986, which facilitated high-capacity passenger services across northern and eastern India.[10] The WAP-4 drew basic design influences from the proven WAM-4 freight locomotive, adapting its Co-Co wheel arrangement and traction components for passenger hauling while incorporating enhancements for speed and efficiency.[11]Initial Development
The development of the Indian locomotive class WAP-4 began in 1993 at Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) as part of Indian Railways' broader electrification initiative to modernize passenger services and accommodate increasing train lengths on electrified routes.[12] This project addressed the need for a more powerful electric locomotive 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.[12] CLW collaborated with Hitachi to integrate advanced HS-15250 traction motors, which were axle-hung and nose-suspended, enabling higher power delivery while maintaining compatibility with the 25 kV AC overhead system.[12] The design, approved by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and published in November 1993, emphasized weight reduction through features like an aluminum foil-wound transformer and lighter underframe to offset the heavier motors without exceeding the 112-tonne limit.[12] The first prototype, designated unit #22201, rolled out from CLW on April 25, 1994, marking the culmination of the initial engineering phase.[13] 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.[1] 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 Co-Co wheel arrangement, featuring six powered axles distributed across two three-axle bogies, which ensures enhanced stability and traction during high-speed passenger operations.[1] This configuration supports the locomotive's total weight of 112.8 tonnes (112,800 kg), balancing load distribution to minimize axle stress on tracks.[14] The locomotive adopts a streamlined twin-cab design characterized by a high short hood for aerodynamic efficiency, 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.[12] 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.[1] These features prioritize operator safety and efficiency without compromising the locomotive's compact profile. The bogies utilize Flexicoil Mark 1 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.[1] This setup enables a maximum operational speed of 140 km/h, with provisions for stability at elevated velocities through bolster and equalizer mechanisms that absorb track irregularities.[14]Electrical and Traction Systems
The WAP-4 class operates on Indian Railways' standard 25 kV, 50 Hz AC overhead electrification 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 catenary wire, enabling high-speed passenger service while accommodating the locomotive's operational demands.[12] The onboard main transformer, 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 diode assemblies, providing stable low-voltage DC for propulsion.[12][15] Propulsion is driven by six axle-hung, nose-suspended Hitachi 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 power density compared to the earlier WAP-1 class, enhancing acceleration for passenger loads.[12][15][16] The traction control system utilizes a tap-changer mechanism with silicon diode rectifiers for stepped voltage regulation, ensuring smooth acceleration and precise speed control; later variants incorporate microprocessor enhancements for improved efficiency. Regenerative braking is incorporated, allowing the traction motors to function as generators during deceleration, feeding energy back to the overhead line to reduce overall power consumption. The locomotive is equipped with rheostatic, vacuum, and air braking systems for reliable operation.[12]Production
Manufacturing Process
The WAP-4 locomotives are primarily manufactured at Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) in West Bengal, India, which serves as the main production facility for electric locomotives of Indian Railways.[17] Key components, such as the Hitachi HS-15250 traction motors, are sourced from Japan to meet the locomotive's power requirements of approximately 5,060 horsepower.[12] Bogies are fabricated in accordance with Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) specifications, utilizing a conventional FLEXICOIL Co-Co design optimized for high-speed passenger service.[1] The assembly process at CLW spans multiple specialized workshops, taking about 75 days to integrate over 3,500 components into a complete locomotive. It begins with the welding 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, instrumentation, and safety features, after which the locomotive receives its final wiring, painting, and cosmetic finishing.[18] Quality assurance is overseen through RDSO protocols, ensuring compliance with design standards at every stage, from material inspection 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.[19] These trials simulate operational conditions to confirm reliability and safety.[20] In the mid-2000s, CLW advanced indigenization efforts, transitioning to in-house production of critical components like certain electrical sub-assemblies and cast steel parts through its integrated foundry and machining facilities, thereby reducing import dependency and enhancing self-reliance in locomotive manufacturing.[21] This shift supported cost efficiency while maintaining adherence to RDSO-approved specifications for aluminum body construction and overall structural integrity.[17]Production Timeline and Totals
The production of the Indian locomotive class WAP-4 commenced in 1993 at Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW), the primary manufacturing site, with the initial batch consisting of 10 units rolled out in 1994.[12] 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 passenger train hauling.[22] Subsequent years saw steady output, with production rates peaking at over 50 units per year during the 2000s to address the expanding needs of Indian Railways' electrified network.[23] By the end of the manufacturing run, a total of 778 units had been built, bearing serial numbers from 22201 to 25051.[23] This figure includes early conversions of 12 WAP-1 locomotives to the WAP-4 configuration in 1994.[24] 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.[12] 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.[12]Operational History
Introduction and Early Service
The Indian locomotive class WAP-4 represents a key evolution in Indian Railways' 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 Chittaranjan Locomotive Works on August 27, 1994, marking the start of production for this class.[25] Initial rollout focused on integrating advanced features like Hitachi HS-15250 traction motors, providing a starting power output of 5,350 hp (3,990 kW), enabling better acceleration for express services.[8] 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.[25] By 1996, allocations expanded rapidly to Central and Southern Railways, where units were based at sheds such as Bhusawal, 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 rolling stock constraints.[8] By 2000, with over 150 units produced, the WAP-4 had become the most numerous dedicated passenger electric locomotive in the fleet, powering key expresses that laid the groundwork for later Rajdhani services.[26]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 electric locomotives by 2018.[27] 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.[23] Around 2020, multiple unit (MU) operation was enabled through retrofits on older units, facilitating double-heading configurations for heavier passenger loads and better acceleration profiles.[12] 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 superfast passenger trains across Indian Railways' 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.[1] Their robust Co-Co wheel arrangement and DC traction motors enable consistent performance without the need for banking engines on steep gradients, contributing to smoother operations on key electrified corridors.[12] 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 Howrah, and southern lines connecting Mumbai to Chennai 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.[28] As of October 2025, Indian Railways 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.[12][29]Locomotive Shed Allocations
As of October 2025, Indian Railways operates 772 active WAP-4 locomotives, distributed across 17 electric loco sheds primarily in electrified zones with high passenger traffic demands.[29] The largest allocations are at Royapuram Electric Loco Shed (Southern Railway) with 150 units, Arakkonam 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.[29] These sheds handle routine maintenance and are strategically located near major passenger corridors to support efficient deployment for express and mail 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.[29] Maintenance for WAP-4 locomotives involves major overhauls every 12-18 months, conducted either at Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) or at the respective shed facilities, ensuring reliability for high-speed passenger operations.[29]| Shed | Zone | WAP-4 Units |
|---|---|---|
| Royapuram (RPM) | Southern | 150 |
| Arakkonam (AJJ) | Southern | 98 |
| Santragachi (SRC) | Eastern | 60 |
| Bhusawal (BSL) | Central | 42 |
