Indian WP & WG Pacifics
The Locomotives That Kept a Continent Moving
1947–2020

International Giants of Steam — Part 4

1. The Post-Colonial Workhorses

At independence in 1947, Indian Railways needed fast, powerful, simple locomotives that could be built and maintained locally. The answer: two legendary broad-gauge Pacific classes.

2. Production

WP 4-6-2 (Passenger): 755 built 1947–1967 (Chittaranjan + DLW)
WG 2-8-2 (Goods): 2,450 built 1950–1970 (Chittaranjan only)
Total: 3,205 — the backbone of IR for half a century

3. Specifications

Class	WP	WG
Built	1947–67	1950–70
Tractive effort	34,500 lbf	47,250 lbf
Top speed	110–120 km/h	80–90 km/h
Typical train	18–22 coaches	60+ wagons
Last revenue run	2019	2020

4. The End

Last WP passenger run: 2019 (Delhi–Agra)
Last WG freight run: 2020 (Mughalsarai coal drag)
Final steam on Indian broad gauge: 2020

5. Survivors 2025

About 30 preserved (Rewari Shed, National Rail Museum Delhi, etc.). Two WPs still certified for heritage charters.

6. Final Thought

For 73 years, every Indian who ever rode a train probably rode behind a WP or a WG. They were the sound of India moving — until the horns went silent.

Next: Germany’s Kriegslok BR 52 — 7,794 built for total war.

the gipster

Saturday, December 6, 2025