New Delhi: Reflecting broadening of bilateral relations, India is inclined to supply locomotives along with transfer of technology to Pakistan in response to a request from that country.
A team of Pakistani railway officials is in New Delhi for discussing the modalities for cooperation in the sector, Railway Board Chairman Vinay Mittal told.
The three-member team of the Pakistan Railways Advisory and Consultancy Services Limited (PRACS) held preliminary discussions with the officials of Railway Infrastructure, Technical and Economic Services (RITES).
"RITES have received request from Pakistan railways regarding the supply of locomotives from India, Mittal said adding technical modalities are being worked out with the visiting team, Mittal said.
Pakistan is facing an acute shortage of locomotives that has forced its railways to suspend operations of as many as 128 passenger trains in recent months. According to an estimate, out of the 500 locomotives available with Pakistan Railways, only 70 are in operation.
Asked how many locomotives would be given to Pakistan, Mittal said "numbers have not been decided yet as the discussion is in a preliminary stage. They have been talking through Ministry of External Affairs."
India has price advantage in manufacturing railway engines as compared to other countries, railway sources said. The visiting Pakistan railway officials are also expected to meet Indian private companies to explore options of buying components like compressors and braking systems.
Comments
0 comment