ISLAMABAD : Pakistan Railways is carrying out special repair of 150 locomotives through Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) at a cost of Rs 5005 million to improve their reliability and performance. Under this initiative, 20 locomotives have been repaired while 65 locomotives each would be made functional during next two years. According to Pakistan Railways here on Sunday, at present more than 300 locomotives are out of service and are waiting for major repairs. Mentioning the initiatives which are underway for rehabilitation of held up locomotives, the department said funding to tune of Rs 6.1 billion is being arranged through banking consortium for rehabilitation of 66 held up locomotives.
Rehabilitation of 27 held up locomotives (HGMU-30) of 3000 HP is being arranged through PSDP at a cost of Rs 5108 million for which an agreement has been signed with M/s Electromotive Division USA.  Two locomotives per month has been turned out for service from April 2014.Moreover, the Department said ECNEC has approved procurement of 275 locomotives, subsequently the contracts have been awarded to the successful bidders.
The project proposal for procurement of another 100 locomotives has also been submitted to Planning Commission for approval of ECNEC.