WAP-5

The WAP-5 is one of the most significant high-speed electric locomotive classes in Indian Railways history.

The first locomotives were imported from ABB Switzerland in the 1990s, bringing modern three-phase AC traction technology to Indian Railways. The first ten WAP-5 locomotives were imported from ABB in 1995, and the technology was subsequently adopted for indigenous production.

The WAP-5 uses a Bo-Bo wheel arrangement, with four powered axles. At approximately 78 tonnes, it is significantly lighter than the WAP-7.

Its lighter construction and high-speed gearing make it particularly suitable for fast passenger operations.

RDSO specifications give the WAP-5 a maximum service speed of 160 km/h.

Indian Railways originally rated these locomotives at approximately 5,400 HP, but the fleet was subsequently upgraded to 6,000 HP through vehicle-control software modifications. Indian Railways reports that the upgrade improved both wheel power and acceleration reserve.

WAP-5 locomotives also feature regenerative braking, wheel-mounted disc brakes and advanced electronic traction controls.

The locomotive has played an important role in India's efforts to increase conventional passenger train speeds and has been studied and modified for even higher-speed applications.

Although modern trainsets such as Vande Bharat now receive much of the attention surrounding semi-high-speed travel, the WAP-5 remains one of the most technologically significant electric passenger locomotives used by Indian Railways.