The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) said on Tuesday the purchase of Chinese railway equipment under a deal signed two years ago is on course following a recent payment of 2.5 million U.S. dollars for locomotives and coaches.

The NRZ public relations manager Fanuel Masikati said the money, which was mobilized through the parastatal's own resources and also with the assistance of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe was part of a deposit required by the manufacturers.

The money was for the manufacture of eight train sets and 64 intercity passenger coaches. The delivery date was unknown.

The increasing demand for rail transport has led to overcrowding and the buying of these train sets and coaches will immensely benefit the country's customers, he said.

The purchase would also boost the NRZ's commuter train service which is now a popular choice for residents in Harare and Bulawayo, the country's capital city and the second largest city.

The parastatal is also seeking to install the GPS which is set to improve the safety of the country's railway network. "The tender for the GPS closed recently and the cost of the installation of the system will only be known after the conclusion of the tender system," Masikati said.

The establishment of a new communication system on local routes is also at an advanced stage. The program involves the installation of an ultrahigh frequency radio communication system along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls route and a cargo tracking system.

Source: Xinhua