‘Shatashv’ WAP7 series locomotive flagged off in Hyderabad

The 100th wide gauge AC electric passenger Class 7 (WAP7) series electric locomotive ‘Shatashv’ was flagged off at Electrical Loco Shed (ELS), Lallaguda by Gajanan Mallya, General Manager of South Central Railway (SCR) on Saturday.

The WAP7 is among the most powerful passenger locomotive (engine) which is capable of hauling 24 coach trains at a speed ranging between 110-140 kmph depending on the maximum permissible speed.

Loco No.37085, a WAP7 series loco was manufactured at Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi. It is the 100th electrical locomotive of WAP7 series homed at ELS, Lallaguda and named as ‘Shatashv’. These locos are mainly used for hauling trains like Rajadhani, Shatabdi and other important express trains.

These WAP7 series engines are modern locos



with three phase drive and have the capability of regenerative braking, high horse power with maximum speed of 140 kmph. They haul longer trains without loss of time with less maintenance.

Electric Loco Shed, Lallaguda which was established in the year 1995 is the only shed on SCR which undertakes maintenance of WAP7 series locos. This shed holds a total of 234 locos which include 100 WAP7 locos, 109 WAG 9 locos and 25 WAP4 locos, according to press release.

Earlier, Mallya undertook extensive inspection of Signal and Telecommunication Work Shop, Mettuguda and also conducted detailed inspection of Engineering Work Shop, Lallaguda and Flash Butt Welding Plant, Moula-Ali.

AA Phadke, principal chief electrical engineer, Gopinath Mallya, chief electrical locomotive engineer and other officers from headquarters and Secunderabad Division were present on this occasion.