Pakistan Railway (PR) is expected to start procurement of 75 locomotives from China in the next two months, informed sources revealed to Business Recorder. "The government has already given approval for the purchase of 75 locomotives", sources said, adding that Railway Ministry had signed two different loan agreements last year with China for the procurement of 75 locomotives and the other for purchase of 202 coaches.
Under the loan deals, EXIM Bank would provide $110 million for the purchase of 75 locomotives and $134 million for 202 coaches. Out of the total 75 locomotives, half will be delivered as completely built units, while the remaining half will be built at Pakistan Railway's locomotive factory.
According to the agreement the Railway engines will be provided by Messrs Dong Fang Electric Corporation (DEC), while coaches will be delivered by China Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC). After acquiring new coaches and engines, the operational revenue and commercial efficiency of Railways would improve with increase in passenger traffic, said sources, adding that new carriages would operate at a speed of up to 160 km per hour.