The model name stands for Metre gauge (Y), Diesel (D), Mixed traffic (M) engine, 5th generation (5).

So about twenty five of these YDM-5 locomotives were ordered from General Motors, USA in the year 1963–64.

While YDM-5 was 1 ton heavier than the YDM-4, Indian Railways opted for the ALCO design.

But In cab-forward mode, the YDM-5 locomotives offered an excellent view, and the cabin was more spacious than the YDM-4.

[12] These locomotives were withdrawn as life-expired in February 1996 and the remainder of the batch that were not recently been overhauled followed in the next two years.

[13] Out of the 25 units built, only one locomotive has been preserved in front of BLW GM office.