The model name stands for broad gauge (W), Direct Current (C), Passenger traffic (P) engine, 4th generation (4).

The solitary WCP-4 served passenger trains for around 30 years before being withdrawn in early 1960s, and was presumably scrapped.

Powerful locomotives were required to transport the express trains on the mountain railway to overcome the Western Ghats.

The tender and evaluation was monitored by the English electrical engineering firm Merz & McLellan in London.

[3][4] The EA/1 emerged as the best locomotive from the evaluation, so that 21 more vehicles of this type were ordered, thus leaving the other two designs remaining as one-offs.