On July 18, China's batch refurbishment project for exported diesel locomotives was completed as upgraded and renovated units successfully rolled off the production line at CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of CRRC), marking a new milestone in rail transit cooperation between China and Turkmenistan.
At 9:00 am, the offline ceremony was held grandly. Saryyev Berdi, Deputy General Manager of Turkmenistan "Demiryollary" Open Joint Stock Company, Akmyradov Vepa, Director of the Locomotive Bureau, Atayev Baymyrat, Office Director, Liu Jianhua, Deputy Mayor of Ziyang Municipal People's Government, and Yang Wensheng, General Manager of CRRC Ziyang attended. User representatives from Turkmenistan, leaders of relevant departments of the Ziyang Municipal People's Government, guests, company cadres and employees witnessed it together.
In the speech, Saryyev Berdi stated that the successful completion of this overhaul project demonstrates CRRC Ziyang's international expertise in locomotive maintenance and establishes a solid foundation for deeper railway cooperation between China and Turkmenistan.
In the speech, Liu Jianhua stated that Ziyang City will continue to support the deepening cooperation between CRRC Ziyang and Turkmenistan Railways, ensuring the enduring friendship between China and Turkmenistan moves forward steadily.
In the speech, Yang Wensheng stated that the company maintained strict quality control and project timelines for the locomotive overhaul, successfully completing the first batch. The company will expedite refurbishment on the remaining locomotives, delivering high-quality results to justify Turkmenistan "Demiryollary" trust in their capabilities.
The locomotives undergoing refurbishment at CRRC Ziyang this time were the first batch of locomotives exported by CRRC Ziyang to Turkmenistan and put into service in 2005. After nearly 20 years of operation with with a mileage of more than 2 million kilometers, they now suffer from severe component wear and performance degradation. In late 2024, CRRC Ziyang signed a repair contract with Turkmenistan "Demiryollary" Open Joint Stock Company to conduct systematic maintenance and technical upgrades on these locomotives.
In May 2025, the first batch of locomotives returned to CRRC Ziyang for comprehensive refurbishment. The project focuses on precise repairs of key components including bogies, diesel engines, and electrical systems, while integrating next-generation intelligent control systems, safety monitoring technologies, and ergonomic improvements. This modernization effort brings these nearly 20-year-old locomotives up to current technical standards in intelligence and safety. Additionally, CRRC Ziyang will conduct systematic technical training and develop standardized manuals to assist Turkmenistan establish its maintenance technology framework. The locomotives, having completed refurbishment, are scheduled to return to Turkmenistan shortly for service.
Since partnering in 2004, CRRC Ziyang and "Demiryollary" have continuously deepened collaboration, evolving from simple product exports to comprehensive industrial chain cooperation encompassing locomotive supply, spare parts provision, and maintenance services. To date, the company has exported 294 locomotives to Turkmenistan, undertaking more than 98% of local railway transportation tasks.
As China's leading diesel locomotive exporter, CRRC Ziyang has delivered over 1,200 locomotives to 35 countries worldwide, accounting for more than 50% of China's total diesel locomotive exports.
