India’s most powerful diesel locomotive set to undergo trials over the next few weeks
The massive 6,000 horsepower WDG-6G is finally out in the wild. We had the chance to get a closer look at the first unit of its type – 69001. Two units were produced by General Electric (now Wabtec)’s plant in Pennsylvania, United States. They landed in India at Mundhra port in February 2019.
69001 was recently sent to South Central Railways’s Maula Ali (MLY) Diesel Locomotive Shed (DLS). The loco will undergo Confirmatory Oscillograph Car Run (COCR) trials on the Vikarabad – Parli section of SCR. The second unit – 69002 – is expected to arrive at DLS MLY in the next few days.
The loco will be ready for trials in two weeks from now, according to officials.
WDG-6G Key Features
- The WDG-6G is based on GE’s Evolution series.
- WDG-6G is fitted with a 16 cylinder V-16 Evolution series engine. The engine is a 4 stroke, fully turbocharged and intercooled. Power transmission to axle is AC-AC electric.
- The loco has Co-Co type axle arrangement with 6 AC traction motors.
- The WDG-6G sports an Electronic Fuel Injection for improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
- The locomotive is UIC 1 emission compliant. First of its kind in India.
- Alternator start engine is mounted on isolators for reduced vibrations.
- The locomotive has IGBT based traction system with individual axle control for enhanced reliability.
- Multi speed, motor driven auxiliaries for optimized load control
- The driver’s cab has been provided with amenities like HVAC, Hot plate, heated windshields, urinal.
- Auto engine start/stop integrated with APU.
- Consolidated Control Architecture Control System has been provided, and features such as Trip optimizer, loco vision and cab signalling are also part of the feature-set.
- Remote monitoring and diagnostics has been enabled for continuous fleet health monitoring.
- Cab frontal collision designed as per EN12663 and AAR S580 anti-climber.
Photos of the WDG-6G 69001 Diesel Locomotive
Background of the WDG-6G General Electric Locomotive Deal
The Railway Board had signed an agreement with GE to set up a new Diesel Locomotive Shed (DLS) at Marhowra in Saran District of Bihar.
According to the agreement GE is expected to supply 300 units of the 6,000 hp WDG-6G to Indian Railways as well maintain the fleet for the period of he contract.
The 300 WDG-6G units are part of a 1,000 locomotive deal awarded to GE by the Indian Railways in 2015. The remaining 700 locomotives are 4,500 hp units, classified as WDG-4G by IR, and are currently being homed at Diesel Locomotive Shed, Roza in Uttar Pradesh.
Truth is bitter. Politicians are interfering in Raiway planning and execution from time to time. During last about five years it is more. Why 1000 high power Diesel locomotives are needed at this time when every section is going to be electrified?
If we want to be truthful to ourselves let it be made known as it is public property.
It is also said Electric locos are suplus.
I think financial management is lacking inspite of Financial advisors at all stages and CAG reports are not given due importance.
It is unfortunate that even after 73 Years of Independence we have not established healthy norms in the Governance.