ISLAMABAD
The National Assembly was informed on Thursday that an international tender would be floated for the procurement of 20 locomotives for the Pakistan Railways.
Railways Minister Saad Rafique told the House during question hour that these locomotives would be partially assembled at the Pakistan Locomotive Factory Risalpur. He said a contract agreement has been signed for manufacturing of five diesel-powered locomotives at the factory. The supply of material and kits for the assembling of these locomotives will be received by May.
He said efforts were being made to prepare a business module to enhance the factory’s productivity. The minister said all the pre-requisites of the Japan International Cooperation Agency have been fulfilled to secure financial assistance for Karachi Circular Railway Project. He said feasibility as well as social environmental engineering studies of the project has already been completed. He hoped that the project would be completed within the time span of the government.
State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Shaikh Aftab Ahmad told the House that a special package of Rs 16 billion has been granted to PIA which is being used for the repair of non-operational aircraft.
