LAHORE, Oct 19: A delegation of Pakistan Railways left here for Seoul to expedite the process for getting 10 used locomotives of 3,000 horse power capacity from Korail, the state-owned South Korean Railways.

“The three-member PR delegation would be discussing with the Koreans ways and means to materialise an earlier deal struck between the National Logistics Cell (NLC) and Korail last year,” a senior official of the Ministry of Railways told Dawn on Sunday.

The NLC and Korail had on July 12, 2012, signed an $11.11 million agreement for supply of 10 refurbished (GMU-30) locomotives to be used for freight operations of the PR. The NLC paid 15 per cent of the deal amount to Korail which started changing the gauge of the locomotives from standard to broad to suit PR track requirements.

“There has been a policy shift towards railways after change of government early this year. The NLC seemed reluctant to make any progress and the PR decided to approach Koreans to get refurbished locomotives either on lease or by making partial payment,” said the official.

Headed by Pakistan Railways General Manager (Operations) Anjum Pervaiz and comprising Additional General Manager (Mechanical) Asad Ehsan and Mughalpura Workshops Director (Locomotive Rehabilitation) Majid Baig (a retired captain), the PR team would also seek cooperation of the Korail for training of its staff.

“South Korea upgraded its railways network from diesel to electrifying system to control the environment threats. It has enough quantity of spares of these locomotives and the PR delegation will also be exploring the possibilities to get the same either on reduced price or on deferred payment,” said the official.

“The lifespan of refurbished locomotives has been estimated to be 15 years. The Korail would be responsible for maintenance for three years. A new locomotive of the same specifications would cost Rs400 million. We will get a refurbished locomotive between Rs100 million and Rs110 million,” said the official.