Uzbekistan Railways (UTY) and the Chinese consortium CNTIC-CRRC DLOCO signed a contract for the purchase of 24 electric locomotives, divided into 16 freight and eight passenger units. Locomotives are to be bought following the tender announced in 2017 and is pursuant to the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of July 15, the company said in a statement.
The purchase is part of a railway efficiency improvement project which also includes upgrading locomotive depots and enhancing UTY’s operational performance. The total contract price is US$ 226.14 million, of which US$170 million is borrowed from the Asian Development Bank, with Uzbekistan’s own cash at US$ 56.14 million, including $ 45.06 million in tax and customs waivers, as well as US$ 11.08 million of Uzbekistan Railways’ own funds.
Locomotives are designed for passenger and freight transportation, including heavy loads in the mountains.
Technology new locomotives will reduce energy consumption. Electric locomotives meet international environmental safety requirements and are equipped with asynchronous traction motors, the statement added.
Uzbekistan railways electrification will allow increasing the railway’s carrying capacity, reducing the delivery timelines, ensuring safety, reducing operating costs and caring for the environment, the company’s press service noted.
Uzbekistan Railways added that i had so far updated over 50% of its locomotive fleet.
