Indian Railways has dedicated a WAP-7 class electric locomotive, named ‘Mukhi’, at the Howrah Electric Loco Shed under Eastern Railway, paying tribute to India’s progress in wildlife conservation. The locomotive has been specially liveried to reflect the speed, agility and elegance of the cheetah.
The dedication honours Mukhi, a cheetah born in India as part of the country’s cheetah reintroduction programme. Mukhi is the offspring of Jwala, one of the cheetahs relocated from Namibia under Project Cheetah, which was launched on 17 September 2022.
Mukhi later gave birth to five cubs in November 2025, becoming the first cheetah born in India to successfully reproduce, a development described as a significant milestone in the country’s cheetah conservation efforts.
The dedicated locomotive, WAP-7 No. 39178, is fitted with modern systems including the Kavach train protection system, remote monitoring features, an air-conditioned driver cab, and multiple technical upgrades aimed at improving safety, efficiency and operational reliability.
