First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar met with Wabtec CEO Rafael Santana to discuss the company’s plans to produce new generation “green” locomotives in Kazakhstan. During the meeting, the government’s efforts to modernize railway transport, including updating the rolling stock fleet, were noted.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the American side for the establishment of the Wabtec Engineering Center in Astana on the basis of Lokomotiv Kurastyru Zauyty JSC. Rafael Santana confirmed that the Center will specialize in the production of locomotives powered by alternative energy sources such as liquefied natural gas, hydrogen and batteries. The repair and maintenance of locomotives manufactured in Kazakhstan and operated in other countries in the region will also be improved.
Following the meeting, Roman Sklyar instructed government agencies and organizations to study the proposals of the American company.