OREANDA-NEWS. Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and Transtelecom, a subsidiary of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), signed a loan agreement in the framework of Transtelecom's project to launch an automated locomotive power and fuel control system titled Energodispetcherskaya Tyagi in Russian.

In accordance with the agreement EDB will increase its share in the project by providing a KZT 7.5 billion loan to Transtelecom, in addition to KZT 17.5 billion extended in 2013.

The project will develop and launch an automated system for the control of power and diesel fuel consumption by locomotives in rail operations. To this end, KTZ will equip its diesel and electric locomotives with high-precision equipment. In addition to this, a real-time data collection and analysis system will be developed.

Experts estimated that the new automated system will make it possible to save up to 13% and 7% of fuel and electric power used by diesel and electric locomotives respectively.

“The new automated system for controlling rail operations in Kazakhstan will help improve the energy efficiency of its economy, reduce the consumption of resources in the rail sector and advance the transport infrastructure,” says Kanat Dosmukametov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board at EDB. “Preliminary estimates let us suggest that the project will help to save diesel fuel and electric power used in the rail sector. The project objectives are in line with EDB's strategy to promote an efficient use of natural resources and reduce negative impacts on the environment.”