The Indian locomotive class WCAM–3 is a class of dual-power AC/DC series electric locomotives That was developed in 1997 by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited used in the Indian Railways system. They are the third locomotives from the WCAM class. The model name stands for broad gauge (W), DC Current (C), AC Current (A), Mixed traffic (M) locomotive, 3rd generation (3). They entered service in 1997. A total of 53 WCAM-3 were built at BHEL between 1997 and 1998, which made them the most numerous class of mainline dual-power AC-DC electric locomotive. They were specifically designed for use by Central Railways in the Ghat section towards Nashik and Pune.
The WCAM-3 locomotives were developed after Central Railways faced a massive locomotive crisis in the 1990s. During this period, many of the WCM locomotives, which began to show their age, suffered several failures. As a result, CR had a tough time in maintaining train schedules, which led to the demand for a locomotive similar to the WCAM-2/2P, which was already successful in the Western Railways. Thus the WCAM-3 was introduced along with the WCAG-1, with more power and traction.
The locomotive class was jointly developed by RDSO and BHEL in 1997. Components were shared with the WCAG-1 locos (see below), such as Co-Co fabricated bogies (High-Adhesion—shwered with WCAG-1, WAG-7, WDG-2, etc.) with secondary suspension, Monocoque underframe, and Air brakes as original equipment. They were originally manufactured under a BOLT (build-own-lease-transfer) contract with BHEL, and were probably still owned by BHEL rather than by IR. Additionally, they have axle-hung, nose-suspended, force ventilated, taper roller bearings Speed control by tap changers in AC mode and resistance notching in DC mode. Motors can be placed in different series-parallel combinations, with auxiliaries from Elgi, S F India, Best, Gresham & Craven, etc.
The locomotive features a static converter from ACEC for auxiliary supply. In DC mode, rheostatic braking by self-excitation of traction motors available until 17 km/h. It has an elgi compressor, other auxiliaries from S F India. They have been rated to run at 105 km/h in DC mode and AC mode.Traction motor configurations as in the WCAM-1/2 and WAM-4 (all 6 in series, 2S 3P, or all parallel—the latter was the only one used under AC traction, enforced now by modifications to the locos).
The class are in active service in the Central Railway zone. CR uses WCAM-3 locos on Mumbai-Pune, Diva-Ratnagiri and Mumbai-Igatpuri sections which had ghat portions as well as speed restrictions of about 100 km/h. They also used to haul intercity trains out of Mumbai DC suburban region on Western as well as Central Railway which was on a 1.5 kV DC overhead system, as opposed to other parts of India which had 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead.[1] WCAM engines now serve trains operating out of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and as bankers on Kasara-Igatpuri/Karjat-Lonavla section. Due to exclusivity in operation/maintenance of these locomotives, they do not go beyond the Central Railway's zone limits. These dual-traction models deliver 4600 hp in DC mode and 5000 hp in AC mode. From 2014, when the Central Line was converted to 25 kV traction, the WCAM-3 were fully transformed into pure AC locomotives by removing the DC equipment, and the performance had improved. These locomotives began to run between Pune and Kolhapur after electrification was completed in 2022.[1]
Freight rakes double-headed by WCAM-3 (upgraded models) are a common sight on the ghat sections. MU operation possible with 3-4 units. In December 2005, all WCAM-3 locos had been retrofitted with roof-mounted rheostatic braking grids. The acceleration is similar to those of WAP-4s and sometimes, it is quoted to match the acceleration levels of WAP-7s, although it's not been verified.
Between 2022 and 2024, 35-WCAM-3 locomotives were converted to WAG-7M, while the remaining locomotives are used for passenger duties. For the conversion, these locomotives had their gear ratios changed from 18:64 to 16:65.
