Railways produces worlds first 5,500-hp locomotive

Indian Railways has produced the prototype 5,500 hp diesel locomotives (WDG5) which are already running as a pilot project in North Central Railway. This loco is developed by Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW), Varanasi, a production unit of Indian Railways. This is so because no locomotive manufacturer in the entire world has attempted more than 4,000 hp on 22 tonne axle load and also because of the smaller moving dimension of locomotive as compared to the US and Canada. The 5,500 hp WDG5 is primarily aimed at improving the throughput with higher balancing speeds. The locomotive will be able to achieve 100 kmph speed on level track with higher axle load. WDG5 brings to Indian Railways advanced technologies such as Electronic Fuel Injection (for higher fuel efficiency and emission control). DLW’s locomotive designs implement collision protection, provision for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, task lighting, improved visibility, ergonomic seating and a soothing and aesthetic visual TFT based display (similar to that used in aircrafts), thereby setting up new standards for crew comport and safety.