Indian Railways has got its first engine with aerodynamic and ergonomic design produced by state-owned locomotive manufacturer Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW).
The engines will be used to haul trains like Rajdhani Express, Gatiman Express, and Shatabdi Express at a maximum speed of 200 km per hour.
The first aerodynamically designed three-phase WAP-5 passenger electric locomotive will help reduce air drag at a higher speed for more energy efficiency and dynamically stable during high-speed operation.
The Railway Ministry in a tweet said, "CLW today produced 1st Engine with aerodynamic and ergonomic design and 200 kmph speed potential. This WAP-5 loco is energy efficient and stable for high-speed operation. It will be utilised to haul the prestigious trains like Rajdhani Express, Gatiman Express and Shatabdi Express."
The engines are also equipped with the latest IGBT-based propulsion system, while the driver's desk has been ergonomically re-modified for improving the maneuvering skills for the loco pilots.
Besides, the locomotives have been provided with Crew Voice and Video Recording System (CVVRS) for onboard driving date recording and analysis. Cameras with microphones will also be provided at the positions both inside and outside the locomotives to record the voice and audio signals for post-event analysis with data storing facilities.