New electric loco introduced for high speed trains

Nagpur: The Nagpur division of Central Railway has introduced a new electric locomotive `WAP 7`, a high speed engine indigenously developed by Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, which is capable of hauling trains at speeds ranging between 140-160 km per hour. The Nagpur division authorities were making efforts since last four months to get the new locomotive and their efforts bore fruit with Railway Board alloting one WAP7 loco being used in Hyderabad-Nizamuddin Dakshin Express from February 2, a release from Nagpur division of Central Railway said today.

The Sampark Kranti Express is also expected to get WAP 7 in next one month. The Nagpur division also planning to switch over to WAP 7 locos in Indore Trishatabdi Express and Nagpur-Indore weekly Express. The requirement of banker engine in ghat section between Nagpur and Itarsi is eliminated, resulting in saving of 10 minutes time as well as saving electrical energy about 700 units per train while descending the ghat. It will also save the banker engine use and energy. Due to high acceleration the punctuality is maintained in division. With a maximum speed rating of 180 km/h, the WAP-7 boasts of the most phenomenal acceleration figures while hauling mail/express trains.