LAHORE: Pakistan Railways (PR) is set to locally manufacture 295 high-capacity wagons with Chinese assistance by March, as part of its broader plan to modernize freight and passenger services. The PR has assigned specific targets to its manufacturing units to ensure timely completion of the project.
In addition, over 170 high-speed passenger coaches, including some brake vans, are scheduled for local production by June 2027. According to PR General Manager (Manufacturing & Services) Ghulam Qasim, this initiative follows earlier orders placed four years ago for 820 wagons and 230 coaches, with the first batch manufactured in China and subsequent units to be built domestically.
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So far, 325 wagons have been produced in Pakistan, including semi knocked down (SKD) and completely knocked down (CKD) units, while Chinese engineers have arrived to support the manufacturing process at the Risalpur and Lahore Mughalpura workshops. PR has also received training under a transfer-of-technology agreement to ensure smooth local production.
The modernization drive aims to replace Pakistan Railways’ decades-old rolling stock, much of which dates back to 1970 German-made models. The project includes a $140 million agreement with a Chinese firm to supply state-of-the-art passenger coaches, with 46 already delivered as completely built units and the remaining planned for local assembly.
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This collaboration is part of Pakistan Railways’ long-term strategy to enhance operational efficiency, improve passenger experience, and strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities with international expertise.