Uganda Railways receives 4 Locomotives

Malaba, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda Railways Corporation-URC has received 4 fully refurbished locomotives from Grindrod Rail, South Africa as part of its efforts to revamp railway transport and reduce pressure on the road.

The locomotives have a haulage capacity of between 750 to 1500 tons and can last between 35 to 40 years depending on adherence to the recommended maintenance practices. They have an axle load of 18 tons.

While receiving the locomotives the State Minister for Work, Musa Francis Ecweru, says that the government will not allow URC to die.

“Though it suffered the issue of concessions with Rift Valley railways and they are still in court, this institution should not suffer the consequences of Uganda airlines,” he said.

He says that the government will support the vision of URC to reduce the burden on the road and damage caused by heavy trucks.

David Musiime the Senior Commercial Officer in Charge of Operations URC, said the four locomotives are part of the 5 they were expecting, adding that the remaining one will arrive next week.

The locomotives will be hauling both imports and exports and will be added to support the available rail cargo to and from Kampala.

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