‘Make In India’ Delivers Again: Railways Gets First Homegrown Aerodynamic Electric Locomotive That Clocks 200 Kmph  

In a massive boost for the Piyush Goyal-led Indian Railways, the Northern Zonal Railway has received its first aerodynamically designed passenger electric locomotive, reports Financial Express.

The locomotive is capable of running at a speed of 200 km per hour. The Chittaranjan Locomotive Works has manufactured the first aerodynamically designed three-phase WAP-5 passenger electric locomotive. The newly introduced ‘Made in India’ train has been provided with improved aerodynamics and has an ergonomic design, which also gives due importance to the comfort and safety of the driver.

The railways plan to power premium trains such as Shatabdi Express, Rajdhani Express and Gatiman Express with the new aerodynamic locomotives, which would reduce the travel time for these trains.

The front end aerodynamic design of the new locomotive reduces drag at higher speeds. Moreover, the suspension is also tweaked to ensure that there are no undue vibrations and the train remains dynamically stable even at a speed of 200 km per hour.

Having 5,400 HP of power, the WAP-5 locomotive (WAP 5 is the name of a class of "High Speed" electric locomotives produced and used by Indian Railways) is slated to be energy efficient and stable for high-speed operations.

The locomotive is also equipped with Crew Voice and Video Recording System (CVVRS) for onboard driving data recording and analysis. Cameras with microphones are also installed to record the voice and audio signals for post-event analysis.