Kazakhstan, Astana, Dec. 8 / corr Trend K.Konirova /
A first diesel locomotive made at an Astana assembly plant using General Electric technology was commissioned in Astana Dec. 7, Trend 's correspondent in Kazakhstan reported.
"The project will meet the demand for renewing the locomotive park," Locomotive President Kadil Talaspekov said at a conference after the commissioning ceremony. "The first Kazakh diesel locomotive can be called a fifth-generation locomotive. The Kazakh diesel locomotive is more powerful, economic and ecologically than Russian engines."
"The Kazakh diesel locomotives save up to 17 percent of the fuel [normally used] and reduce toxic wastes into the air by 40 percent," Talaspekov said.
The Kazakh Temir Zholi National Company said the plant will produce over 400 new-generation Evolution series diesel locomotives by 2014. Some 118 locomotives will be exported.
The plant's design capacity is 100 locomotives. By 2015 the plant's capacity will increase by 50 locomotives by outputting maneuver diesel locomotives. Passenger diesel locomotive production will also be considered in the future.
Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at: [email protected]