DUSHANBE, April 21, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- Tajik state rail company, Rohi Ohani Tojikiston (Tajik Railways), is seeking investors to renew its rolling stock.

The deputy head of Tajik rail stock company, the Usmon Qalandarov, told reporters on April 20 that their rolling stock has become obsolete and the company plans to purchase one diesel locomotive, 50 new cargo cars and several passenger carriages this year.

“Actually, we need more equipment, but the company cannot yet afford to buy more locomotives and carriages due to financial problems,” said Qalandarov, “At present the price of one diesel locomotive is US$4 million plus customs duties;  a total cost of locomotive will be nearly US$5 million. And the prices of passenger carriages and cargo cars are US$1 million and up to US$100,000 respectively.”

According to him, the Tajik Railways specialists have prepared an investment project for purchase of equipment and the company is currently seeking investors for implementation of the project.

“We will be able to renew our rolling stock completely if we find investors,” Qalandarov added.

Tajikistan’s rolling-stock now includes 1,929 cargo cars, 424 passenger carriages and 55 diesel locomotives.