Indian Railways hands over 18 modern Indian locomotives to Myanma Railways

March 20, 2018: Rajen Gohain, Minister of State of Railways recently attended the formal handing over ceremony of 18^th AC-DC 1350 HP diesel electric locomotive to Myanma Railways, supplied by RITES and manufactured by Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi, India.

These 18 locomotives are fitted with micro-processor control based system. 1350 HP AC/DC main line diesel locomotives with maximum speed of 100 KM PH are fuel efficient and are equipped with latest features. Most of these supplies in the railway sector have been carried out under Indian Line of Credit. As per the agreement schedule, all locomotives were to be delivered by September, 2018. They have been delivered six months ahead of the schedule.

Speaking on the occasion, Gohain congratulated Indian Railways for providing locomotives with contemporary new features over the earlier supplies. The Minister said that this association with Myanmar authorities will help strengthen friendly border relations with India.

On the occasion, U Thant Sin Moung, minister of transportation and communication mentioned the valued cordial relationship between the two countries and how it can go beyond the present interaction. He also showed keen interest in the training programmes offered by the Indian Railways and on the Signaling and Telecommunication systems.

RITES, a Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways is the export arm of the railways undertaking various projects worldwide. RITES has engaged in the supply of Railway rolling stock (locomotives, coaches, wagons, permanent way maintenance vehicles), maintenance of railway infrastructure, technical studies, training of Myanmar Railway officials. Soon, RITES would take up the study for upgradation and maintenance of workshops. A team of experts from Diesel Modernization Works, Patiala would visit Myanmar soon.

Picture Courtesy: Minister of State for Railways, Rajen Gohain at Ney Pi Taw, Myanmar. The Minister of Transportation and Communication, Myanmar, Thant Sin Moung, the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, Vikram Misri and other dignitaries are also seen.