OREANDA-NEWS. June 09, 2010. Two electric locomotives produced by CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Company (China) for Uzbekistan Railways were presented in Tashkent.

In accordance with the agreement signed in 2008, the Chinese company was to supply 15 high-speed passenger locomotives during 2010-2011.

However, the sides had reached an agreement last year that all locomotives would be ready by the end of this year.

The new trains are capable of moving at 160 kmh speed, which will reduce travel time for passengers and sharply decrease energy costs.

For instance, the travel time from Tashkent to Samarkand will be reduced by 30 mins from 3.5 hrs to 3 hrs, while energy consumption will fall by 15%.

Chief engineer of Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Company Suo Jianguo said the supply of the locomotives was a result of economic cooperation and strengthening friendship ties between Uzbekistan and China.

Vice Prime Minister of Uzbekistan U.Rozukulov, mayor of Tashkent A.Tukhtayev, chairman of board of Uzbekistan Railways A.Ramatov and others participated in the trains presentation ceremony.

Uzbekistan is purchasing 15 locomotives from China within an investment project, aimed at renewal of the park of passenger locomotives of the country.

The project, which has a total cost of USD 75.53 million, is being financed by long-term soft credit of the Chinese government.