After WAP 5 electrical locomotive, WDP 3A and WDP 4BH diesel locomotives have been added to the list of engines cleared for operation of premier trains at the speed above 130 kmph.

The addition of indigenously made locomotives to the high-speed engine category will ensure that premier trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, AC Express and Duronto Express will not run with lower-category locomotives.

According to official sources, the Research Designs and Standard Organisation (RDSO) of the Indian Railways in November approved the high-speed WDP 3A diesel locomotive for operating premier trains at the speed of 140 kmph and 160 kmph. The WDP 4BH locomotive has also been cleared for operating the premier trains at the 130-kmph speed.

More than 50 per cent of premier trains in the country are currently hauled by the WAP 5 electrical locomotive, which can pull trains at the speed of 160 kmph. When the trains don’t get the WAP 5, the WAP 7 loco, which has been cleared for operation speed of upto 130 kmph, is used for hauling the premier trains in the Southern Railway.

“When more diesel engines can haul trains at higher speed, premier trains and other superfast trains will get the high-speed locos. Soon, Tondiarpet, Tiruchy Golden rock and Erode diesel loco sheds may get such high-speed locomotives. “ said official sources.

Though the highly busy tracks in the Southern Railway including Chennai-Salem and Chennai-Gudur can withstand the train speed of 140-150 kmph, trains with 24 coaches are allowed to run at the speed of 110-110 kmph. Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains with 12 coaches are permitted to run on the speed of upto 130 kmph.

“Premier trains will maintain their punctuality, only when they use the locos cleared for operation at the speed above 140 km. The move helps increase the train speed in highly congested sections,” added official sources.

Research Designs and Standard Organisation (RDSO) of the Indian Railways has approved the high-speed WDP 3A diesel locomotive for operating premier trains at the speed of 140kmph and 160 kmph. The WDP 4BH locomotive will operate premier trains at 130kmph.

Tondiarpet, Tiruchy Golden rock and Erode diesel loco sheds may get such high-speed locomotives.