Indian locomotive class WAG D-9

Indian Railway freight class electric locomotive From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Indian locomotive class WAG D-9 is a class of 25 kV AC electric locomotives developed by Siemens for Indian Railways. The model name stands for broad gauge (W), AC Current (A), Goods traffic (G). With 9,000 horsepower (6,711 kilowatts), it will be the second most powerful freight locomotive in the Indian Railways after WAG-12 along with WAG-9 HH. The first prototype was unveiled on 26 May 2025.[1][2][3]

Power typeElectric
Power typeElectric
BuilderSiemens Mobility, Rolling Stock Workshop- Dahod
Quick facts WAG D-9, Type and origin ...
WAG D-9
A WAG D-9 locomotive on trial run at Dahod locomotive factory.
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
DesignerSiemens Mobility
BuilderSiemens Mobility, Rolling Stock Workshop- Dahod
Total produced30 as of April 2026
Specifications
Configuration:
  UICCo′Co′
Gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)
Wheel diameterNew: 1,250 mm (4 ft 1+14 in),
Full worn: 1,150 mm (3 ft 9 in)
Axle load22.5 tonnes (22.1 long tons; 24.8 short tons) (upgradable to 25 tonnes (25 long tons; 28 short tons))
Loco weight135 tonnes (133 long tons; 149 short tons) (upgradable to 150 tonnes (150 long tons; 170 short tons))
Electric system/s25 kV 50 Hz AC Overhead
Current pickupdual pantographs
Traction motorsSiemens Mobility MoComp Traction Motors
  Continuous1,192 kW (1,598 hp)
Loco brakeRegenerative Brake and Air Brake
Train brakesAir Brake
Safety systemsKavach ATP, Vigilance Control Device
Performance figures
Maximum speedOperational: 120 km/h (75 mph)
Tested: 135 km/h (84 mph)
Power output:
  Continuous9,000 hp (6,711 kW)
Tractive effort:
  Starting530 kN (120,000 lbf) @ 22.5t/axle load
589 kN (132,000 lbf) @ 25t/axle load
Dynamic brake peak effort331 kN (74,000 lbf) @ 22.5t/axle load
367 kN (83,000 lbf) @ 25t/axle load
Career
OperatorsIndian Railways
Numbers55001+
DispositionUnder Commissioning
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Introduction

The WAG D-9 locomotive is a "Heavy Haul" freight locomotive, conceived in response to the growth in rail freight, and the demand for powerful electric freight locomotives following the complete electrification of the Indian Railways network. At first WAG-9 was introduced a long time ago now new locomotive had same color of WAP-5 with Amrit Bharat Express livery.[3]

In January 2023, Indian Railways placed an order with Siemens Mobility for 1,200 freight locomotives, each with a power output of 9,000 horsepower (6,711 kilowatts). It was the largest locomotive order ever for Siemens Mobility and the biggest order in Siemens India's history. The contract is valued at approximately ₹26000 crore (approx. $3 billion), excluding taxes and potential price adjustments.[4][5]

Design and Testing

The 1,676 mm gauge Co'Co' locomotives, operating at 25 kV 50 Hz, are designed to pull 4,500-ton loads at speeds of up to 120 km/h along the Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs).[6] They will feature advanced propulsion systems, manufactured locally at Siemens facilities in India. To ensure maximum efficiency and reliability, Siemens Mobility will utilize its Railigent platform for optimal performance and availability.[7]

The locomotives will feature artificial intelligence into the locomotives to predict failures before they happen to bring availability up. They will also be equipped with Kavach (Automatic Train Protection System). It also features an improved monitoring and diagnostic platform, and an advanced continuous real-time tracking through GPS.[5]

This the first rolling stock in India to get certified under the stringent EN-14363 (UIC-518) (Criterion 4) for assessment of rolling stock dynamic behaviour. Trials were conducted by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and were completed in late 2025 on the Nagpur-Itarsi and Jodhpur sections.

Locomotive shed

More information Zone, Shed Name ...
ZoneShed NameShed CodeQuantity
East Coast RailwayVisakhapatnam(D)WATD40
Total locomotives as of April 202640
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Manufacturing and maintenance

The locomotives will be delivered over a span of eleven years, with the contract also covering full-service maintenance for 35 years.[6]

Assembly will take place at the Indian Railways facility in Dahod, Gujarat, while maintenance will be carried out at four depots in Vishakhapatnam, Raipur, Kharagpur, and Pune. Both assembly and maintenance will be conducted in collaboration with Indian Railways personnel.[3][8][9]

Importance of the locomotive

Indian Railways aims to reduce carbon emissions by over 450 million tonnes by maximizing the use of Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) instead of road transport. The 9000 HP locomotives will enhance the efficiency of these corridors and support the Railways' sustainability goal of full electrification, adoption of green technologies, and sustainable practices.[9] Additionally, this initiative will attempt to increase the railways' share of freight transport from the current 27% to 40-45%, supporting the government's logistics expansion plans.[7]

References

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