WAP5/7 class AC passenger locomotives:

• Year entered service: 1995/2001
• Units built (maker): 13/12 (ABB/CLW)
• Wheel arrangement: Bo-Bo/Co-Co
• Power: 6000hp/6350hp
• Weight: 78/123 tonnes
• Max Speed: 160/140kmph

A WAP5(#30004) locomotive from GZB starts with the 2952 Rajdhani Express to Mumbai Central. The WAP5s ushered in the modern era of electric traction in IR with their state of the art 3 phase technology. A total of 11 of these ABB built locomotives were imported out of which 1 was damaged in transit. 3 additonal locomotives have been manufactured in India by the Chittaranjan Locomotive Works. (CLW)

A WAP5 (#30001) stands on the platform lines of Hyderabad station. It came to Secundrabad with the Rajdhani Express from Delhi and was brought here by the South Central Railway officials to have a close look at it, as it was the first time that the WAP5 had come to SCR and the staff wanted to be familair with this flagship loco. For company it has a Kazipet WDM2 and a Maula Ali based WDM2 shunter in Gooty colors.

The Secundrabad - Nizamuddin Rajdhani has an early start. Here as the sun rises over they city, its WAP5 passes under the Tarnaka fly over past the VIjaya Milk factory that is somewhat of a landmark for the denizens of the twin cities.

Behold.... here comes the fastest train in India. The New Delhi - Bhopal Shatabdi is seen here with its customary WAP5. Originally slated to run at 140 kmph, this train now does 130 kmph only for short bursts due to an aging rake and difficult track. Nevertheless it still manages the 199 Kms between Delhi and Agra in under 2 hours and has an overall commercial speed of nearly 80 kmph.

A light WAP5 (#30006) comes in from its home shed Ghaziabad to New Delhi to take charge of its evening duties. Seen here at Shivaji Bridge, which is one station before New Delhi in the Mathura direction, the WAP5 looks a mean prospect. But it just took a little wave from Delhi IRFCAn Sandeep Sharma to flag the loco down... and we hitched a little ride on it :o)

The Howrah Rajdhani is the pride of Eastern Railways and it too is hauled by a WAP5. Here (#30010) waits patiently at New Delhi station to commence its overnight run to Calcutta. Note the absolutely sparkling rake in the background. Full marks to ER staff for maintaining their flagship train.

What more can a railfan ask for ? Thundering along at 110 kmph on one of the best pieces of track in India through lush green fields and a setting sun, when a WAP5 (#30002) passes by you at full chat with the Howrah Rajdhani in its wake !!!

The Howrah bound Rajdhani Express is seen again, this time with a GZB WAP7 (#30212) at the helm. After delivering the first 6 WAP7s to Gomoh, CLW shipped the next 6 to Ghaziabad from where they are doing service on Rajdhanis and Shatabdis. More of these locos are due to be built and assigned to other sheds across the country.

Big brother, little brother !!! A WAP7 hauls a a WAP5 (nearest camera) into the trip shed at New Delhi. At first glance the WAP5 doesn’t look much smaller than the WAP7, but in reality it is a good 44 tonnes lighter. The WAP7 also features a Co-Co wheelset as compares to the Bo-Bo design of the WAP5 and it is produces about 350 hp more.

The champion and the challenger !!! The WAP4 is the current king of Indian tracks. Handling 24 coach loads with impunity at speeds in excess of 110 kmph is child’s play for it. However the WAP7 with a 1000 hp power advantage and advanced design is all set to dethrone the WAP4. For the moment the rivals size each other up at the New Delhi trip shed, while old faithful WDS4 prepares to take a Rajdhani rake out on the platform.