Skip to main content

Railways procure GE manufactured diesel electric locomotives


By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

“Pakistan Railways has embarked upon an ambitious plan aimed at strengthening its freight transportation service and has purchased 55 diesel electric locomotives, each of 4000 to 4500 horse power, for the purpose,” Mohammad Javed Anwar, General Manager (Operations), Pakistan Railway, disclosed.

Talking to journalists on the occasion of delivery of seven of the 55 engines at Karachi Port, he said these freight specific locomotives, manufactured by General Electric (GE), USA, will be particularly utilized for coal and freight transportation. 

About the seven locomotives, the GM (Operations) revealed that these will carry coal from Karachi port to coal power plants in the up country. These will soon be carrying coal to Sahiwal power plant. 

To another question, he said that an agreement worth US$ 213,689 million had been signed with GE to procure these locomotives for phase wise delivery to Pakistan Railways. The supply of the remaining 48 diesel electric engines, he said, will be completed in next six months and utilized with high capacity wagons and coal hopper wagons. 

"A two-fold increase in the Pakistan Railways freight earning is expected through the fresh induction," Javed Anwar stated. 

Supplementing his claim, the Railways functionary said that the newly purchased locomotives have the capacity to haul 3400 tons load against the hauling capacity of 2250 tons of existing engines. 

He informed that these engines are five percent fuel efficient besides being environment friendly and have less maintenance cost. 

To yet another query, he said that Pakistan Railways was also in process to procure a few more DE locomotives of 2000 horse power from General Electric. These engines, he added, will be used to transport goods from Karachi to Quetta and Quetta to Karachi. 

Mentioning that 77 relevant employees of Pakistan Railways were sent to USA for required training in the operation of these engines and now they will serve as master trainers. 

The CEO of General Electric for Pakistan, Sarim Shaikh, shared that the agreement between his company and Pakistan Railway was signed in 2015 with delivery to be made in 16 months. 

The Divisional Superintendent Railways, Karachi Division, Engr Nisar Ahmed Memon also responded to media queries.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dr. Zeelaf Munir Calls for Supply Chain Reforms to Strengthen Pakistan’s Food Security at Breathe Pakistan 2026

  Karachi: At the recently held Breathe Pakistan 2026 conference, where EBM participated as the principal partner, the company’s Managing Director and CEO Dr. Zeelaf Munir emphasized the urgent need to rebuild Pakistan’s agricultural supply chain to ensure long-term food security and sustainable development. Addressing participants at the event, Dr. Zeelaf Munir stated that while initiatives such as improved seeds, affordable credit facilities, and crop insurance are important, they alone cannot transform the lives of smallholder farmers unless the supply chain that follows agricultural production is fundamentally restructured. She highlighted that Pakistan’s food security is being “made or lost” within the post-farm supply chain, stressing that inefficiencies in storage, transportation, distribution, and market access continue to limit the benefits reaching farmers and consumers alike. Dr. Munir further noted that the transformation required in Pakistan’s agri-food sector must ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Constitution, Justice and Public Trust Essential for National Unity: Speakers

Bazm-e-Mukalma Pakistan organized the 39th Professor Karrar Hussain Memorial Lecture with a question-and-answer session at Rabat Hall, Bahadurabad, on “Lack of National Unity: Causes and Remedies.” Speakers and senior analysts Syed Muzafar Ejaz and Mazhar Abbas said national unity could not be achieved through slogans alone, but required justice, equality, constitutional supremacy, democratic continuity and public trust. They highlighted religious, linguistic, provincial and class-based divisions as major challenges to national cohesion. Mazhar Abbas stressed the importance of institutions working within their constitutional limits, freedom of the press and respect for the people’s right to choose their representatives. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session on national identity, constitutional supremacy, the political system, provincial grievances and the role of state institutions.
Post a Comment
Read more

KDSP: Empowering Individuals with Down Syndrome in Karachi

The Karachi Down Syndrome Program (KDSP), a beacon of hope and support, is making significant strides in empowering individuals with Down syndrome in the city. Founded in March 2014 by a group of passionate parents and individuals, KDSP addresses the critical need for comprehensive resources and platforms for those with Down syndrome in Karachi. Bridging the Gap: A Mission of Advocacy and Inclusion KDSP operates as a non-profit organization with a clear mission: to advocate for the value, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome. Recognizing the limited support and resources available locally, KDSP was established to provide a nurturing environment where individuals with Down syndrome can lead independent and fulfilling lives. A Lifelong Journey of Support Understanding the unique needs of individuals with Down syndrome and their families, KDSP offers unwavering support from the moment a family receives a diagnosis.  They embark on a journey with each family, pro...
Post a Comment
Read more