ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 13. A major project for the construction of a locomotive assembly plant will be implemented in the city of Atbasar, Akmola region of Kazakhstan, Trend reports.
The project implementation agreement was signed between the regional executive power and the Kamkor Lokomotiv LLP.
This year, a feasibility study is being developed. The land plot has already been identified. Construction of the plant will begin in 2025. The plant plans to produce the first locomotive at the end of 2026.
During the operation and construction of the plant, the enterprise will employ 800 people. The cost of the private investment project is about 47 billion tenge (about $98 million).
"The construction of the plant is being carried out within the framework of the instructions of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The project will give a new round of development not only to the industry but to the entire region, including the creation of new jobs. Atbasar city is a railway junction with a long history. Dynasties of railway workers live there," he said.
In turn, Head of Kamkor Lokomotiv Altay Zhumatayev noted that the plant will meet all modern requirements.
"Locomotives with diesel and electric traction will be assembled. In addition, there are requirements for the environmental component - this is the transition of traction to liquefied gas," he said.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan produced 29 diesel locomotives from January through May 2024, which is 7 locomotives, or 32 percent more than in the same period in 2023.
In May alone, nine diesel locomotives were produced. Compared to May 2023, production decreased by 25 percent (12 diesel locomotives).
In addition, during the above period, 442 freight cars were produced in the country. During the same period last year, the production of freight cars amounted to 22, which means a 20-fold increase in production.
In May 2024, 42 freight cars were produced, which is 323 percent more than in the same period in 2023 (13 freight cars).