WP-7161 'Akbar' --- From the year 1963 the onus pass on to Chittaranajan Locomotive Works which started indigenous production of WP class locomotives. Within a span of four years, as many as 259 locos were manufactured with road numbers 7060-7199 & 7636-7754. These locos were classified as WP/1 and are 5 tons heavier than their predecessors. With their charecterized 'Bullet-nose with a silver-star' the WP's were designed specifically for low-calorie, high-ash Indian coal and its ease of handling made it a hot favorite amongst Loco drivers. These 2680 hp, 102 ton steamers with 'Pacific' 4-6-2 wheel arrangement were capable of doing up to 110 kmph and are equipped with Walschaerts valve gear. With two outside cylinders, 18.5 ton axle load & a tractive effort of 15.03 tons, these locos used to carry 25,000 litres of water & 15 ton of coal at a time. Several WP's remained in active mainline services until the late '80s as Indian Railways most popular locomotive class and hauled numerous prestigious express trains before gradually being phased out on advent of diesel/electric locos.

The above photo features WP # 7161 built by CLW in the year 1964 which was homed at Sahranpur shed. Post its retirement in the year 1992, it was preserved at the National Rail Museum. In the year 2000, it was restored to working order & homed at Rewari Steam Loco shed christened as 'Akbar'. Lately 'Akbar' became the most famed steam locomotive of India. Its major claim to fame would be its appearance in some of the popular period movies of Indian cinema like Gadar - Ek Prem Katha, Partition, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Gangs of Wasseypur etc are just a few from the list where it has been featured. Following a complete overhaul at the Amritsar Railway Workshop in October 2012, this loco became the primary choice for the 'Steam Express' which runs between Delhi Cantt. & Alwar during October-February every year. Photographed by Somsubhra Das. D.O.P. - 16th August 2019.