Wabtec, an American corporation, has announced plans to supply locomotives worth $405 million to Kazakhstan’s railway company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ). This contract is aimed at modernizing KTZ’s fleet and meeting the growing demand for freight transportation in the region.
The Evolution Series ES44ACi locomotives to be delivered by Wabtec are of high quality standards and are designed to reduce operating costs. These locomotives feature a powerful 12-cylinder engine that ensures efficient performance in Kazakhstan’s harsh climate conditions. By upgrading their fleet with these new locomotives, KTZ hopes to improve their competitiveness on international routes and enhance their logistics capabilities.
Gokhan Bayhan, Wabtec’s regional vice president, emphasized the importance of this project for strengthening Kazakhstan’s railway infrastructure. He highlighted how the country’s government recognizes the significance of railroads for the nation’s economy and how KTZ plays a crucial role in transporting goods between China and the West.
The new locomotives will enable KTZ to operate more efficiently along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, increasing Kazakhstan’s competitiveness in the global transport services market. Additionally, the locomotives are designed to adapt to changing weather conditions, particularly important for operations in the country’s mountainous regions.
Production of these locomotives will take place at the Lokomotiv Kurastyru Zauyty plant in Astana, which is equipped with modern facilities and meets international quality standards. The plant employs over 700 workers who ensure high assembly quality. Vice President Bayhan also highlighted Wabtec’s longstanding partnership with KTZ, spanning over two decades and contributing to the region’s railway infrastructure development.
The first deliveries of the locomotives are expected to commence next year, providing KTZ with the necessary equipment to improve transport efficiency. This partnership between Wabtec and KTZ is crucial for the further enhancement of Kazakhstan’s railway system and solidifies the country’s position as a key transportation hub in the CIS region.
Overall, this deal signifies a significant advancement in Kazakhstan’s transportation system development and underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s railway infrastructure. The collaboration between Wabtec and KTZ is a testament to the innovative solutions being implemented to support Kazakhstan’s growth as a prominent player in the global transportation industry.