Transport Ministry defends diesel locomotives deal, insists assets are modern, cost-effective and reliable

The Ministry of Transport has defended the government's acquisition of two diesel locomotives and 20 freight wagons, dismissing concerns raised by critics as inaccurate and technically unfounded.

Addressing concerns about maintenance and the availability of spare parts, the Ministry noted that the Class 56 locomotives remain in active commercial freight service in the United Kingdom and Hungary.

The Ministry estimated that revenue from freight operations would enable the investment in the locomotives and wagons to be recovered within two years while providing many more years of productive service.