Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. On May 2, Speaker of the Parliament G.Zandanshatar got acquainted with operation of Ulaanbaatar Railway JSC (UBTZ). UBTZ, which is marking its 70th anniversary this year, has about 15400 employees and a daily capacity to transport 10-12 million tons of freight to the northern part of the country and 7-10 million tons of freight to the southern part, covering a total of 1815 km road. It set a record with transporting 25.8 million tons of freight in 2018 and is now planning to transport 26.3 million tons and 2.7 million passengers this year.

Even though the volume of freight is increasing, there are a number of challenging issues. For instance, loads on the southern routes especially the Zamyn-Uud-Erlian route reached their peak due to lack of transit capacity, causing congestion; operating expenses increased following the changes in exchange rate; there is a 370 km railroad that must go under major repair and the company is facing locomotive shortage, informed Mr. D.Jigjidnyamaa, Chairman of UBTZ.

In 2018, UBTZ earned an income of MNT 582.5 billion, expensed MNT 589.3 billion, with a loss of approximately MNT 7 billion. Passenger transportation accounts for most of the total loss, whereas coal and oil transports cause a significant part of it. Thus, it is necessary to take actions to reduce the loss. It was also noted that the loads on the Zuunbayan-Erlian route can be reduced with establishment of a new route between Zuunbayan and Khangimandal.

Moreover, CEO of ‘Mongolian Railway’ (MTZ) State-owned Shareholding Company B.Tsengel gave information on the works being carried out under the ‘New Railway’ project.

Speaker G.Zandanshatar received a definite answer to his question about the actions being taken to ensure traffic safety, prevent accidents and lower social and administrative costs of the company.

In 2018, six occupational accidents and eight non-work-related accidents occurred at UBTZ. Of these, two were fatalities although the accident rate shows a decrease compared to the previous year. Hence, it was informed that the company now aims to zero accidents.

UBTZ in collaboration with other companies is building a railway to the oil refinery which is under construction in Altanshiree, Dornogobi and it became possible to open the railway in July, four months prior to the due date as the construction work is already running at 38 percent. The construction costs have been lowered through domestic investments. Furthermore, a project is being implemented to digitize the control center that coordinates train movements.

The Speaker commended these initiatives while noting that the Parliament will discuss the issues challenging the company. After seeing the company, he assigned the company authorities to be attentive towards the safety of the employees and make a report on the activities undertaken to prevent and eradicate occupational accidents; to formulate a plan on structural reforms to increase the company’s efficiency; and to fully begin construction works of the ‘New Railway’ project within June 1.