China to hand over 150 wagons to Pakistan by June
BEIJING: China will hand over 150 high capacity railway freight wagons to Pakistan by the end of June, said minister for railways Mian Shamim Haider here on Tuesday.
In an interview with APP at the end of his ten-day visit to China, he said he held very fruitful discussions with the Chinese side to enhance bilateral cooperation in the railway sector.
The delivery of 150 wagons is part of an agreement, under which Dongang Electric Corporation (DEC) is to provide 1300 wagons to Pakistan Railways within a period of three years.
To a question, he said he has conveyed to the Chinese side Pakistan’s concern regarding supply of nine defective locomotives.
Mr Haider said he was assured on behalf of the Chinese government that the defects in the locomotives would be rectified according to the satisfaction of the Pakistan Railways.
It was decided that the contract signed between the DEC and PR will be implemented in letter and spirit. The corporation agreed to provide five-year bank’s guarantee to ensure proper working of the locomotives. The Chinese side accepted the responsibility of repairing the defective parts of the locomotives, making them functional forthwith. If needed, these would also be replaced.
The minister pointed out under-frame cracks were appeared in 3000 horsepower locomotives. It was agreed that if needed that the rest of 3000 hp, to be provided later would be converted into 2000 hp. He said 23 out of 69 locomotives, mainly 2000 hp supplied to Pakistan so far are in operation without any complaint.
He disagreed with the contention there was any wrong with design of the locomotives. About the future cooperation, Mr Haider said, the Chinese companies including China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC) have already signed agreements with PR to help in implementing its modernization plan.
To a question, he said the CMC has assured him to complete the delivery of 175 passenger coaches to Pakistan by August this year. “We are hoping that the Chinese side will strictly follow the delivery-schedule, in accordance with the relevant contracts.”
The minister said he also held very useful talks with the Chinese companies, seeking their support for electrification of railway tracks and the signaling system.
About his meeting with Chinese railways minister Liu Zhijun, he said they availed the opportunity to review the overall cooperation of the two countries in the railway sector.
It was decided that they will maintain the momentum of their bilateral cooperation in the spirit of trust and understanding that is hallmark of their decades’ old traditional partnership. As a gesture of goodwill, the DEC has gifted Pakistan one locomotive that cost $ 1.4 million. The company is also prepared to provide electric instead of diesel-based locomotives, the minister added.
Pakistan Railways to purchase 100 locomotives: Pakistan Rail-ways would purchase 100 locomotives through open bidding from international market.
According to information placed before the upper house during question hour, Pakistan Railways (PR) would acquire 75 diesel electric locomotives and 25 electric locomotives.
Mian Shamim Haider, minister railways said Pakistan Railways placed a purchase order to Dongfang Electric Corporation, China for the procurement of 69 diesel electric locomotives at a cost of $ 98 million. app
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