With an aim to improve Pakistan’s railway system, General Electric (GE) has decided to provide 55 trains to the railway system. Out of these 55, seven locomotives have already arrived, giving proof of the GE’s commitment to the cause. The deal between Pak railway authorities and the American company GE took place under a PKR 470.6 million contract in the third quarter of 2015, and ensures delivery of 55 diesel electric locomotives within a period of 18 months.
A ceremonial lunch was organized for the inauguration of this program as more than 200 senior government officials, media partners and private sector partners attended the ceremony.
Modernizing the Railway Network
The government is aiming to modernize the railway network and infrastructure along with improving regional connectivity. In addition, the government has also decided to move things up a bit by increasing the transportation shares of the railway from 4 percent to 20 percent. This will be a very effective step as it will help lower the cost of importing and exporting goods to and from the country.
The other 48 locomotives are expected to be delivered to Pakistan by the end of 2017. This step will express the organization’s support to Pakistan’s vision, and its dedication to revolutionizing the transport department in the country through its latest technologies.
Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Railways, Mr. Javed Anwer Bubak, stated:
“Strengthening the transportation and logistics infrastructure is crucial to support Pakistan’s economy. Each locomotive will be used to haul up to 3,400 tons of freight and the seven locomotives are expected to help Pakistan Railways generate substantial revenues of up to Rs13 billion per year. We are glad to partner on this initiative with GE, which is well-known throughout the world for its reliability, innovation and superior technology”
He further added that Pakistan is the first country in South Asia to import the Evolution Series™ locomotives as these are not only the finest locomotives designed by the GE but are also equipped with the latest technology.
Sarim Sheikh, President & CEO, GE Pakistan commented:
“GE has been a committed partner to Pakistan Railways for more than 35 years. Our locomotives are among the best performing within Pakistan Railways’ fleet”
Moreover, he said:
“These new locomotives will provide better fuel efficiency and longer overhaul cycles than other units in Pakistan today, substantially reducing the costs of transporting essential freight. We are proud to be able to provide this much-needed technology and help develop the future of the country’s transportation sector in collaboration with Pakistan Railways”
Capacity of the Locomotives
These locomotives will be exclusively used to carry goods. Initially, they will only transport coal from Port Qasim to Sahiwal but as the other locomotives arrive, the area will be expanded. An estimated of 12,000 tons of freight will be carried as five trains will run daily for transportation of goods.
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These locomotives are especially designed for Pakistan as there are rough environmental conditions in the country. These locomotives can bear all the pressure as they possess a 4,500 horsepower (Hp) and an 8,000- liter fuel tank enabling them to pull 40 wagons each. The Evolution Series locomotives have been designed as a result of a $400 million investment.
In order for these locomotives to qualify for GE’s Ecomagination portfolio, they must deliver improved economic value and environmental performance. As they are designed for this purpose, it is a sure thing that these locomotives will qualify for it, too.
