Pakistan to purchase 50 GM 3000 Horse Power Locomotives from S.Korea

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways is considering purchase of used General Motors 3000 Horse Power Locomotives from South Korea aimed at meeting the shortfall of locomotives in the Railways network.

According to a senior official of the Ministry of Railways, the proposal to purchase 50 used locomotives from South Korea is under consideration and almost at final stage as the Korean Railways is also interested to supply used General Motors 3000 Horse Power Locomotives to Pakistan Railways at an attractive price.

Prior to the commencement of the pilot project a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed between the Ministry of Railways and Korail, a Korean Company on behalf of the two governments, he told.

Initially, a pilot project of six locomotives would be started for conversion of bougie truck from Standard Gauge to Broad Gauge.

On successful completion of field trial of three months of these locomotives on Pakistan Railways network, Pakistan railways would finalize the demand of remaining 44 locomotives alongwith one year's performance guarantee and five 5 years technical support.

Once the cost per locomotive would be determined through negotiations, Korean Joint Venture would consider deferred payments for a period of eighteen months after the locomotives are put into operations on Pakistan Railways network.

It may be mentioned here that Pakistan Railways has already purchased locomotives from China in the past and also considering purchase of further locomotives from China for strengthening the Railways system in the country.