The Hindu Business Line : Metre gauge locos for Mozambique flagged off

Tiruchi, Sept. 27 Two modified and rehabilitated metre gauge locomotives, meant for export to Mozambique, were flagged off from the Southern Railways Central Workshops at Golden Rock here.

The two were part of a last batch of five locos to be exported to Mozambique through the Rail India Technical and Economics Services (RITES) Ltd. The despatch of the two locos also marked a significant milestone for the Central Workshop as they were the 99th and 100th locomotives to be exported from here.

Rehabilitation

The two locos were flagged off by Mr A.P. Mishra, Additional General Manager, Southern Railway; and Mr V. Carmelus, Chief Mechanical Engineer, Southern Railway; in the presence of the Mr Amitabh Sinha, General Manager, RITES and Mr S. Rangarajan, Chief Workshop Manager, Golden Rock Central Workshop (GOC). GOC had started modification and rehabilitation of the YDM4 MG locos for export through the RITES and IRCON in 1993. So far 93 locomotives have been exported to various Afro-Asian countries including Sudan, Mozambique, Mali, Senegal, Myanmar, Tanzania, Bangladesh and Malaysia. The exports had brought in revenue to the tune of Rs 90 crore.

overseas demand

The GOC has carried out a number of modifications in the locomotives including fitting dual air brake systems, ABB turbo super charger for better fuel efficiency and ergonomically designed driver seat with backrest. GOC officials said there was an increase in demand abroad for the locomotives.

During the current year, the workshop has already completed modification of eight locomotives. There has been a further order of two locos each for Mozambique and Tanzania.

The workshop has also taken up the task of training officials from foreign countries in maintenance of locomotives. Last year, about 50 engineers and technicians from Sudan, Senegal, Angola and Mozambique were trained.

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