Railways adds 55 new engines to fleet

Minister says US locomotives will bring revenue, boost profit

LAHORE: The Pakistan Railways has added 55 computerised locomotives, manufactured in the US and having 4,000 horsepower, to its fleet, stated a press release issued on Thursday.

Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique and Railways CEO Javed Anwar said these state-of-the-art engines would bring revenue and help accumulate profit for the institution.



“This national organisation will serve industrial and business sectors in a better way and play its role in improving the country’s economy,” said the minister, adding in the second phase, 20 special engines would be bought for running passenger trains in the Bolan section.

He added the procurement of brake engines for mountainous areas would also be completed by the end of next year.



Rafique emphasised that the Pakistan Railways understood the need for locomotives in the future and had planned accordingly to address the issue.



For fulfilling the requirements of modern engines till 2025, the PC-I for the purchase of 300 engines had been sent to the Planning Commission, he added.

The minister was of the view that it was for the first time after the World War II that revolutionary changes had been made in the Pakistan Railways, adding the foundation for modern railways had been laid.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 18^th, 2017.

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