Rail supplier news from Progress Rail and Railway Innovative Solutions (April 10)

Progress Rail has signed three long-term contracts with Egyptian National Railways (ENR) to modernize 100 AA22T locomotives and provide technical services and parts support. Covering 141 locomotives for up to 15 years, the agreements call for improving the availability of locomotives for ENR and providing additional capacity for the rail network. The contracts were signed in Cairo on April 9 by ENR Chairman Mohamed Abdel Aziz Amer and Progress Rail Executive Vice President for Locomotive Jack Zhang. “This locomotive modernization program will extend the existing assets’ useful life by up to 20 years, while updating the control and engine system to achieve significant fuel savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions,” Zhang said in a press release.

Railway Innovative Solutions LLC has introduced Tietan, an asphalt coating engineered to shield wood railroad ties from premature degradation. The polymer-modified asphalt is designed to protect against UV rays and water damage, extending the life of crossties and bridge ties. Tietan asphalt coating is now in use on ties at several sites across the country, according to a company press release.