LUCKNOW: Following request of Myanmar’s delegation from ministry of transport & communications (MTC) which visited Varanasi based Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) to witness the manufacturing facilities and capabilities for locomotive design and development, the BLW has assured to help military junta led government to develop facilities for design and training for electric locomotives in Myanmar.
On Friday, a five-members delegation led by Aung Myaing deputy minister of the MTC visited BLW’s design, technical training facilities, loco assembly pit, engine testing shop and other facilities to take stock of Indian railways manufacturing prowess of diesel and electric locomotives and spares.
After the visit, Aung said that the government of Myanmar is extremely keen to upgrade their railway infrastructure and rolling stock. The delegation also evinced interest in electrification of the Myanmar railways.
Anjali Goyal, the general manager of BLW assured the delegation that Indian railways would extend all technical support required for electrification, including planning source of power, transformer and rolling stock. BLW has the designs required for electric locos to address steep gradients and sharp curves.
BLW is the only production unit with Cape Gauge, MG, and Standard Gauge tracks laid out in their production facility.
It’s interesting to note that Myanmar had purchased 18 meter gauge locomotives from BLW in 2017-18.
