ISLAMABAD : The Ministry of Railways would procure 150 locomotives at an estimated cost of Rs 55.483 billion. According to official sources in the ministry, the federal government has approved procurement of 75 locomotives of 2000-2500 horse power and another 75 locomotives of 3000-3500 horse power. In the first phase on emergent basis, 50 locomotives will be procured. No new locomotive has been purchased since the last procurement of 69 locomotives which were inducted in the Railways system from 2003 to 2008.
An agreement for procurement of 58 diesel-electric locomotives amounting to US$ 116.8 million has also been signed with M/s SCR Ziyand, China on December 7, 2012 and supply of locomotives is scheduled to commence from November this year.
The ministry said recruitment during the last three years has been made in the Railways as per prescribed criteria.
The Railways has completed rehabilitation of 252 km track of Landhi-Khanpur section.
Presently on average 18 freight trains are operating per day over the system. Two oil trains are leaving Karachi on daily basis for Lalpir with an additional train from Karachi for up country to clear other consignments.