ISLAMABAD: To generation of the much-needed revenue, Pakistan received the last batch of 15 diesel electric locomotives of 3,000 HP from China that completed the project worth Rs 19.4 billion.
Sources said that the last batch of 15 diesel electric locomotives was essential for revamping Pakistan Railways to make it financially viable by improving the dilapidated passenger and freight services.
These 15 locomotives have reached Karachi port. The country has already had 43 locomotives under the deal of which the last batch of 15 locomotives will be formally added to the Railways fleet by the end of current month, they added.
The total number of locomotives would be 268, they said. Of the total 58 locomotives, got from China, 29 are of 2,000 HP and 29 are of 3,000 HP. The agreement for 58 locomotives was reached by the previous government. However, the project has been reportedly revised and the number of locomotives increased from 58 to 63 whereas 5 will be built at Carriage Factory Risalpur in collaboration with China, they added.