The Hindu : National : 15 DMU coaches exported to Angola

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15 DMU coaches exported to Angola

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: In another major achievement, the Indian Railways has become an exporter of diesel multiple units (DMUs) coaches. In its first-ever export order, the Railways on Thursday dispatched 15 DMU coaches to Angola, including three coaches for self-propelled accident relief train.

Manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, DMUs, exported by state-owned consultancy major RITES, were flagged off by Minister of State for Railways R. Velu from Chennai Port.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Velu said the Railways had achieved another milestone as it was for the first time that such DMUs designed and manufactured by ICF were being exported. “The export of DMUs to Angola would open new vistas for similar exports in future. ICF has so far manufactured 230 varieties of different designs of coaches and is still venturing into new designs and assimilating the latest technology available to provide the best comfort to the passengers,” he added.

The manufacture and dispatch of these DMUs and the self-propelled accident relief train mark the successful completion of various on-going projects undertaken by RITES in Angola which include technical assistance, up-gradation of maintenance workshops and earlier export of passenger coaches, the Minister added.

Speaking on the occasion, RITES Managing Director V. K. Agarwal said they also have other export projects that include leasing of 25 locomotives in Tanzania and 20 locomotives in Mozambique, besides supply of 20 locomotives to Myanmar, leasing of 23 passenger coaches to Tanzania. It has also undertaken some rehabilitation projects in Mozambique, and Tanzania.

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