PITTSBURGH — Wabtec today announced its largest-ever locomotive agreement, a $4.2 billion deal to deliver Evolution Series locomotives and provide long-term service support to the national railway of Kazakhstan.
The new locomotives, part of National Company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy’s (KTZ) expansion and fleet renewal, are designed to operate in the demanding weather conditions and mountainous terrain of Kazakhstan, Wabtec said.
The next generation of Evolution Series locomotives will improve fuel efficiency and operate for longer periods between maintenance overhauls, the company said. The order also includes maintenance services agreements to support the new locomotives and KTZ’s existing railroad fleet.
“For over two decades, our partnership with KTZ has been critical in transforming Kazakhstan’s rail industry,” Wabtec CEO Rafael Santana said in a statement. “This historic agreement embodies KTZ’s visionary approach for the country’s rail network as the primary link between Europe and Asia. By delivering advanced locomotives and long-term service solutions, Wabtec is a proud partner in Kazakhstan’s progress, helping to unlock the region’s enormous potential and developing the engineering competencies in the country’s railway industry.”
KTZ CEO Talgat Aldybergenov said the nation plays a key role in realizing the railroad potential of Eurasia. “This new agreement confirms our commitment to advanced technologies in the transport sector and will also make a significant contribution to the development of industry and railway engineering in Kazakhstan,” he said in a statement.
II believe Kazakhstan is part of the China to Europe route that’s being pieced together to avoid Russia?
How many locomotives? Where will they be built? Over what period of time?