Pictures of DC and AC / DC  Electric Locomotives in Indian Railways. Classes covered:

• WCAM1 class AC/DC mixed duty locos
• WCAM2 class AC/DC mixed duty locos
• WCAM3 class AC/DC mixed duty locos
• WCAG1 class AC/DC freight locos
• WCM class DC mixed duty locos
• WCG class DC freight locos

Built by CLW to ply on Western Railway’s Mumbai - Vadodara section. The WCAM1 is a dual current loco which can operate both on the 1.5 Kv DC and 25 kV AC supply on this route. A total of 53 units of this class were built, all of which are based at Valsad shed. Here one such unit is seen at Mahim station hauling the evening Valsad Fast passenger from Mumbai.

WCAM1s are also used for freight duties by WR and some units venture into CR DC territory with rakes bound for the various ports near Mumbai. An example is seen here as it brings in a container rake to Panvel via the Vasai Rd. - Diva corridor.

The legendary Mumbai - Surat Flying Ranee (Queen) Express departs on its evening run to Surat. It is the favorite train of commuters between these two commercial cities. Here it is seen behind its usual WCAM1 loco as it crosses Mahalaxmi station in Central Mumbai. Note the double decker cars starting from the 4th coach onwards and WR’s high tech 3 phase AC/DC EMU.

BHEL supplied 20 examples of a 4800hp AC/DC loco to WR which was designated as WCAM2. Primarily used on important passenger trains out of Mumbai, some units carry a revised gear ratio and are classed WCAM2P. One such beast is seen is here at Jogeshwari station  hauling the prestigious August Kranti Rajdhani Express to Hazrat Nizamuddin.

The August Kranti’s bigger brother, the 2951 Rajdhani Express from Mumbai is also hauled by the WCAM2 class locos which boast of a 120kmph top speed in AC operation, but are restricted to 105kmph in DC mode. It is spotted here at Santa Cruz station in suburban Mumbai. These locos are also based at Valsad alongside the WCAM1s.

 BHEL built a 5350hp AC/DC loco for Central Railway’s heavily graded ghat sections. Classed as WCAM3, All 50 units of this class are based at the Kalyan electric shed. Distinctive in its blue-yellow livery, #21956 hauling the Chennai - Mumbai Express passes through Kurla station. Though more powerful than the WCAM2 in terms of power output, these locos are restricted to 105kmph due to operational restrictions.

CR’s  WCAM3s rarely venture into AC territory unlike their cousins on WR. The exceptions being the short haul intercity trains from Mumbai to Manmad and beyond.  The Tapovan Express to Nanded from Mumbai CST is one such train and is spotted as it goes past the AC loco trip shed at Igatpuri.

CR still maintains a fleet of pure DC locos, prime amongst which is the CLW built WCG2 loco which apart from hauling freights, also performs key duties as bankers on the heavy grades of the Bhor & Thull Ghats. Often found in coupled working in multiple unit mode, 2 such units rest easy in the sidings at Lonavla station after performing a long hard day’s work. All 57 units of this 1640 hp loco are based at Kalyan.

BHEL also supplied CR with an AC/DC  freight loco classed as  WCAG1. About 12 locos of this 4700hp a beast are currently homed at Kalyan. Here #21979 starts from Panvel station with a rake of containers bound for the port terminals at JNPT / Nhava Sheva near Mumbai. Similarity with the WCAM3 class makes it difficult to identify these locos, unless observed carefully.

 CLW built only 2 units of the WCM6 loco, and they were built to different specifications for experimental purposes. However, results were not successful and the locos were relegated to menial duties. One loco was damaged by fire, but was subsequently repaired, while the other is spotted here at Thane resting easy with a rake of hopper cars. Both these locos are homed at Kalyan.