Uganda Railways Corporation is evaluating bids for $48 million to supply ten new diesel-electric locomotives from Chinese and South Korean firms. This project is part of broader railway upgrades, including the rehabilitation of the Tororo-Gulu line and the Malaba-Mukono track. Cargo transport has significantly declined, highlighting the need for infrastructure modernization.
The Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) is currently assessing bids from Chinese and South Korean companies for a significant contract valued at $48 million to supply ten new diesel-electric locomotives. The tender, which closed on March 7, attracted submissions from four firms, including China Shandong International Limited, CRRC Qishuyan Company Limited, Sung Shin Rolling Stock Technology Limited, and Dalian Lambo Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd from South Korea.
URC spokesperson John Linonn Sengendo stated that the new locomotives will be utilized on the Tororo-Gulu line, which is presently being rehabilitated. Additionally, they will enhance the current equipment on the primary line connecting Malaba to Kampala. “The contractor has given December this year as the deadline to handover the complete project, which is 10 months from now,” explained Mr. Sengendo regarding the timeline for the rehabilitation of the Tororo-Gulu line.
The rehabilitation project for the 375km Tororo-Gulu route, funded by the Ugandan government at Shs199.9 billion ($54.14 million), is anticipated to reach completion by December 2025. Key components of this infrastructure improvement include drainage enhancements, construction of new culverts, relocation of utilities, and rehabilitation of five steel girder bridges, alongside railway track relaying and ballasting.
Moreover, the URC is focused on revamping the 265km Malaba-Mukono track, part of a broader five-year initiative funded by the African Development Bank. This $301 million project encompasses the procurement of wagons, a multi-purpose water vessel, upgrades to railway stations and port infrastructure, and the acquisition of diesel multiple units, among other improvements.
Catchingly, URC managing director Benon Kajuna noted that the corporation currently transports only 250,000 tonnes of cargo per year, a sharp decrease from one million tonnes in 2006. This drop in cargo volume is largely attributed to outdated infrastructure, which is being addressed through the African Development Bank-funded project, according to Mr. Sengendo. The railway line serves as a crucial segment of the East African Community’s Northern Corridor, linking Kampala with Kenya’s Mombasa seaport.
In summary, the URC is progressing towards significant upgrades to its railway services with new locomotives and infrastructure rehabilitation. The bids from international firms reflect a commitment to enhancing the efficiency of Ugandan rail transport. The overarching projects supported by government and international funding highlight the need for modernization to address the decline in cargo transport, thereby strengthening the region’s transportation network.
Original Source: www.pmldaily.com
