The design platform is based on the GE Evolution Series and features a 4-stroke 16-cylinder fully turbocharged engine which delivers around 6,000 horsepower (4,500 kW), making it the most powerful diesel locomotive of IR (second-most being the WDG-5 aka EMD GT50AC).

Under the 'Make in India' initiative of Indian Government, GE will manufacture all remaining units at its factory in Marhowra, Bihar.

GE has also built maintenance sheds at Roza in UP and Gandhidham in Gujarat.

The first two locomotives in the series, 69001 and 69002, were recently sent to South Central Railways' Maula Ali (MLY) Diesel Locomotive Shed.

The locos underwent Confirmatory Oscillograph Car Run (COCR) trials on the Vikarabad – Parli section of South Central Railway[4] and were approved by Research Design and Standards Organisation for further field trials on the Dedicated Freight Corridor by Roza Locomotive Shed.