The Indian locomotive class WDM-3A is a class of diesel–electric locomotive that was developed in 1993 by Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi for Indian Railways. The model name stands for broad gauge (W), Diesel (D), Mixed traffic (M) engine, with 3300 horsepower (3A). The WDM-3A is a later classification of earlier WDM-2C. They entered service in 1994. A total of 143+ were built at ALCO and Banaras Locomotive Works between 1994 and 2003 with rest of the 1246 units being rebuilt from WDM-2 which made them the most numerous class of mainline diesel locomotive until the WDG-4.
The WDM-3A is one of the most successful locomotives of Indian Railways serving both passenger and freight trains for over 26 years. A few WDM-3A units were exported to neighboring countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Due to the introduction of more modern types of locomotives like WDG-4 and WDG-4G and electrification, a very small number of units are still in use, both in mainline and departmental duties. As of December2025, 149 locomotives retain "operational status" on the mainline as WDM-3A. The loco was widely used across India for long-distance passenger trains due to its ruggedness, high tractive loads and acceleration. Now due to ageing fleet, it is gradually being withdrawn from service, condemned and scrapped.
