The Hindu Business Line : WAG 7 suited for the K-K terrain

A study of loco characteristics by the East Coast Railway reveals that WAG-7 will be suited for hauling loaded trains along the 446-km K-K line (Kottavalasa-Kirandul section) as it would offer the right powering with respect to the trailing load, while eliminating slipping wheel and improving energy conservation, throughput and sectional capacity at the same time. The report is believed to be under the consideration of the Railway Ministry for implementation. The K-K line, spread over Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Chhatisgarh, is used for transporting iron ore from Bailadila mines to Visakhapatnam. The terrain is arduous with gradients up to 1:60, in addition to a large number of reverse sharp curves over 60-km stretch. The highest point in the broad gauge is situated at an altitude of 997.6 metres.

The electric loco shed at Visakhapatnam, commissioned in December 1982, caters to the loc requirement on the route. It started with a modest holding of 30 locomotives but has now 167, including 18 imported WAG-6, which are used to haul a loaded train of 56 BOXN wagons totalling 5,132 tonnes. Up trains are empty while the down trains are loaded en route.

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