Railways receives US-made freight-specific locomotives

Pakistan Railways (PR) on Monday formally received the first consignment carrying seven out of the total 55 freight-specific locomotives with 4000hp efficiency, at Karachi Port.
"The arrival of seven of 55 units signifies our commitment to strengthen Pakistan's rail infrastructure," said Javed Anwar Bubak, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the PR, speaking at a ceremony: 'Commemorating the induction of GE locomotives into Pakistan Railways,' at Karachi Port. Senior government officials, private sector partners and media attended the ceremonial luncheon hosted on the occasion.
He said the remaining 48 engines were expected to be imported till July this year. He said that the PR had signed an agreement with the General Electric, USA, to procure 55 engines in June 2015.
He expressed hope that Pakistan Railways (PR)'s freight earnings would be more than double after complete induction of new high-powered locomotives being imported from the USA.
"Modernizing the transportation infrastructure and improving regional connectivity is key goal of the Government of Pakistan under its Vision 2025," he said, adding that the government aimed at increasing the share of rail in transportation from 4 percent to 20% which will help reduce the transportation costs and environmental impacts of moving goods across the country.
Bubak said that strengthening the transportation and logistics infrastructure was crucial to Pakistan's economy. He said that each locomotive would carry 3400 tons of freight. He was glad to partner on this initiative with GE, well-known throughout the world for its reliability, innovation and superior technology.
"Pakistan has become the first country in South Asia to import and use this state of the art technology of the Evolution Series of locomotives manufactured by GE," he said.
Sarim Sheikh, president and CEO, GE Pakistan, said that the GE has been a committed partner to Pakistan Railways for more than 35 years. He said that GE's locomotives are among the best among those performing within Pakistan Railway's fleet.
"They are designed for the harsh environmental conditions of Pakistan, including high temperatures. They have a horsepower greater than 4,500, an 8,000 litre fuel tank and each can pull 40 high capacity wagons," he said, adding that they are also part of GE's Ecomagination portfolio.