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February 17 , 2017

US Ambassador Hale commemorates arrival of GE locomotives


KARACHI: American Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale visited the cantonment station on Friday and dedicated the General Electric locomotives.

Flanked by Grace Shelton, U.S. Consul General for Karachi; Sarim Sheikh, CEO, GE Pakistan & Central Asia; Parveen Agha, Chairperson, Pakistan Railways; and Nisar Ahmed Memon, Divisional Superintendent, Pakistan Railways, Mr Hale said,"I am glad to hear that many of these locomotives will support power plants and will improve Pakistan Railways’ capacity to carry even more cargo to the industrial heartland. The delivery of these locomotives is also great news for U.S. private sector engagement with Pakistan, enhancing the ties between our countries."

David Hale spoke at great length and highlighted how US equipment and technology will help in providing the long-term infrastructure upgrades which would prove to be beneficial and aid in Pakistan's sustainable economic development. Hale also said that he was happy how these locomotives would enable Pakistan Railways to carry even more cargo to the industrial heartland as well as provide support to power plants.

A Pakistan Railways representative pointed out that the country was the first in South Asia to use GE Evolution Series locomotives. He hoped that it would strengthen and enhance the connectivity of the railway in Pakistan.

"We are proud to support the Government’s goals to strengthen and modernize Pakistan’s transportation infrastructure with the early delivery and commissioning of GE’s Evolution Series locomotives," said Sarim Sheikh, President and CEO of GE Pakistan and Central Asia region. "The Evo locomotives provide better fuel efficiency and longer overhaul cycles than any other locomotives in their class, substantially reducing both the costs and environmental impact of transporting essential freight".

The 4,500 horse power locomotives are built in the United States. These locomotives will be shipped to Pakistan throughout 2017. In June 2015, GE signed a deal with Pakistan Railways for 55 state-of-the-art diesel locomotives. The Government of Pakistan commemorated the arrival of the first seven locomotives, which were delivered two months ahead of the contractually scheduled date, at Karachi Port on January 23, 2017.

 

Courtesy www.thenews.com.pk


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