The Indian locomotive class WAG D-9 is a class of 25 kVACelectric locomotives developed by Siemens for Indian Railways. The model name stands for broad gauge (W), AC Current (A), Goods traffic (G). With 9,000 horsepower (6,711 kilowatts), it will be the second most powerful freight locomotive in the Indian Railways after WAG-12 along with WAG-9 HH. The first prototype was unveiled on 26 May 2025.[1][2][3]
The WAG D-9 locomotive is a "Heavy Haul" freight locomotive, conceived in response to the growth in rail freight, and the demand for powerful electric freight locomotives following the complete electrification of the Indian Railways network. At first WAG-9 was introduced a long time ago now new locomotive had same color of WAP-5 with Amrit Bharat Express livery.[3]
In January 2023, Indian Railways placed an order with Siemens Mobility for 1,200 freight locomotives, each with a power output of 9,000 horsepower (6,711 kilowatts). It was the largest locomotive order ever for Siemens Mobility and the biggest order in Siemens India's history. The contract is valued at approximately ₹26000 crore (approx. $3 billion), excluding taxes and potential price adjustments.[4][5]
The 1,676 mm gauge Co'Co' locomotives, operating at 25 kV 50 Hz, are designed to pull 4,500-ton loads at speeds of up to 120 km/h along the Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs).[6] They will feature advanced propulsion systems, manufactured locally at Siemens facilities in India. To ensure maximum efficiency and reliability, Siemens Mobility will utilize its Railigent platform for optimal performance and availability.[7]
The locomotives will feature artificial intelligence into the locomotives to predict failures before they happen to bring availability up. They will also be equipped with Kavach (Automatic Train Protection System). It also features an improved monitoring and diagnostic platform, and an advanced continuous real-time tracking through GPS.[5]
This the first rolling stock in India to get certified under the stringent EN-14363 (UIC-518) (Criterion 4) for assessment of rolling stock dynamic behaviour. Trials were conducted by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and were completed in late 2025 on the Nagpur-Itarsi and Jodhpur sections. This will pull freight and non push-pull Amrit Bharat Express like livery match on locomotive yet later after speed trials
The locomotives will be delivered over a span of eleven years, with the contract also covering full-service maintenance for 35 years.[6]
Assembly will take place at the Indian Railways facility in Dahod, Gujarat, while maintenance will be carried out at four depots in Vishakhapatnam, Raipur, Kharagpur, and Pune. Both assembly and maintenance will be conducted in collaboration with Indian Railways personnel.[3][8][9]
Indian Railways aims to reduce carbon emissions by over 450 million tonnes by maximizing the use of Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) instead of road transport. The 9000 HP locomotives will enhance the efficiency of these corridors and support the Railways' sustainability goal of full electrification, adoption of green technologies, and sustainable practices.[9] Additionally, this initiative will attempt to increase the railways' share of freight transport from the current 27% to 40-45%, supporting the government's logistics expansion plans.[7]
