Watch video of India's most powerful electric locomotive dubbed the 'Beast of Indian Railways'

The Wag12B locomotives, recognized as India's most powerful electric locomotives and aptly termed the "Beast of Indian Railways," were showcased in a video posted by the Ministry of Railways on their official social media account. Boasting a substantial 12,000 horsepower, these electric locomotives are a testament to the 'Make in India' initiative.

Developed under the 'Make in India' program, the Wag12B locomotives play a crucial role in freight services, capable of hauling an impressive 6,000 tonnes at a maximum speed of 120 kmph. This makes them twice as powerful as their predecessor, the WAG-9. The accompanying 33-second video showcased the locomotive in action, emphasizing its robust build, capabilities, and features.

Notably, the Wag12B locomotives are equipped with insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT)-based propulsion technology and utilize regenerative braking, effectively reducing energy consumption. Designed with a Bo-Bo configuration and an axle load of 22.5 tonnes, upgradable to 25 tonnes, these locomotives are expected to enhance the average speed of freight trains by 20-25 kmph.

The implementation of GPS tracking, facilitated by embedded software and ground servers through a microwave link, enables strategic monitoring and utilization of these locomotives. This advanced technology aims to contribute to decongesting saturated tracks, enhancing both the speed and loading capacity of freight trains in the country.

Reactions to the video expressed awe at the technological advancements, with users commending the locomotives as a significant leap forward in rail technology. The locomotives' deployment and unique capabilities sparked curiosity among viewers, with questions about their specific usage on tracks with overhead cables and increased load-bearing capacity. Overall, the Wag12B locomotives stand as a remarkable engineering marvel within the Indian Railways network.