On 10 Jan. 2017, Macedonian Railways signed a contract with CRRC Zhuzhou Co., Ltd. for the delivery of four electric locomotives. This second project follows a contract for six passenger trainsets manufactured by CRRC Zhuzhou. This is the second procurement project implemented by the Macedonian government and the Chinese company after the first project for six new passenger trains.
The EUR 8 million investment is financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and is carried out as part of a project on the renewal of country’s rolling stock fleet.
“The purchase of the four new electric locomotives practically means the renewal of the rolling stock fleet after 40 years, bringing it closer to European and world standards, providing enhanced safety and reliability in rail traffic, bringing more passengers, increasing speed, more energy saving, environmental protection, efficient operations and better services”, said Nikola Kostov, General Director of Macedonian Railways.
CRRC Zhuzhou has supplied over 8,000 electric locomotives for home and abroad. In 2015, CRRC Zhuzhou delivered 6 multiple units for Macedonia and they are running well.