225 Locomotives needed for Pakistan Railways to meet shortage

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has demanded 225 locomotives to replace the overaged locomotives and to meet the shortage of locomotives in the department.

According to a senior official of the ministry of Railways, there is acute shortage of Locomotives and passenger coaches in Pakistan Railways at present and it should be overcomed with the availability of new locomotives.

Pakistan Railways have signed a contract agreement amounting to US$ 105.143 million for procurement of 75 Diesel Electric Locomotives with M/s Dongfang Electric Corporation China during December 31, 2008.

National Bank of Pakistan was requested to establish the letter of credit but barred by a court of law to not proceed further.

An International Tender for procurement of 150 American Diesel Electric Locomotives has already been floated during May-2010 but the tender could not be opened so far due to court proceedings.

Pakistan Railways has also demanded Rs. 5.2 billion for repair of 100 locomotives held up for want of spare parts besides rehabilitation of passenger coaches.

A Contract agreement amounting to US$ 134.45 million for procurement of 202 Passenger Coaches has been signed with M/s. China Machinery Import & Export Corporation China on 10-10-2009.

The project for rehabilitation of 400 passenger coaches is also in progress at Carriage Factory, Islamabad and 241 coaches have already been rehabilitated, the official told APP.