At the Altynkol station, an official ceremony was held to receive the first shunting diesel locomotives received ahead of schedule under an agreement with the Chinese company CRRC. This agreement was signed on October 17, 2023 during the visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to China.
The press service of JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy reported that the new diesel locomotives have improved structural and traction characteristics, are adapted to the climatic conditions of Kazakhstan and can operate at temperatures from -40 to +50 degrees. The diesel locomotives weighing 135 tons are equipped with environmentally friendly diesel generator sets that meet national standards.
As part of the agreement, Kazakhstan will receive 100 shunting and 100 mainline locomotives, as well as service centers will be opened and an engineering center is being created. The cooperation between Kazakhstan and CRRC, which began more than 20 years ago, has reached a new level. The design of a new generation hybrid locomotive is being completed, production of which will begin in 2025.