Federal government will spend Rs 94 billion on the procurement/manufacture of 75 diesel electric locomotives, upgradation of signalling system by providing computer-based interlocking along with 780 high capacity bogies hopper wagons to transport coal from Karachi to Punjab for power plants.
According to documents made available to Business Recorder, 57 diesel electric locomotives to be bought costing Rs 46.8 billion including Rs 32.8 billion Foreign Exchange Component (FEC), Rs 38.3 billion including Rs 25.97 billion FEC to be utilized for up-gradation of signals and computer-based interlocking, auto blocking of signals and centralization of traffic control system whereas Rs 8.86 billion including Rs 5.7 billion FEC to be spend on procurement/manufacturing of 780 high capacity bogies hopper wagons.
The newly procured locomotives would be equipped with environment friendly engines and Electronic Fuel Injector (EFI) System to provide reliable and cost effective service. Both types of DE Locos would be used for heavy load and long haul freight traffic along with High Bogie Wagons (HBW) fitted with airbrakes and roller bearings to design speed of 100 kph for freight trains.
Procurement of 75 DE Locos of various horse power (15 locos of 1500 HP, 30 Locos of 2000 HP and 30 Locos of 3000 HP) along with transfer of technology. Out of 75 locos, 25 of different H.P were to be imported in CBU condition and the material for the remaining 50 units of different HP were to be manufactured locally at locomotives factory Risalpur.
About upgradation of signals and computer based interlocking, automatic block system on 670 kms long double line section of Lodhran - Kotri including provision of centralised traffic control system at Multan (Lodhran-Sahiwal) and Lahore (Sahiwal-Shahdara Bagh). The scope of work also includes replacement of exiting points and crossings with UIC-54 Rails in station yard along with installation of automatic train protection system in 45 locomotives, advanced warning system at manned level crossing and road warning system at unmanned level crossings. The upgradation project of ML-1 signed with Chinese under CPEC framework.