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Pakistan Railways has attracted strong interest from Bangladesh for the supply of freight wagons and passenger coaches, after offering rolling stock at more competitive prices than other regional suppliers. The development signals growing railway cooperation between the two countries and positions Pakistan as a cost-effective manufacturing hub in South Asia.
A two-member Bangladeshi delegation, led by Farhad Islam, Secretary for International Organisations and D-8 Commissioner, along with High Commissioner Mohammad Iqbal Hussain Khan, visited Pakistan Railways’ carriage factory in Islamabad and the historic Mughalpura Workshop in Lahore.
During the visit, officials were briefed on Pakistan Railways’ technical capabilities, manufacturing processes, and ongoing rolling stock projects. A documentary presentation highlighted the modernisation of workshops and indigenous production capacity.
Chief Mechanical Engineer Muhammad Nasir Khalili detailed Pakistan Railways’ expertise in coach and wagon manufacturing, locomotive rehabilitation, and maintenance. He noted that Pakistan Railways now operates with modern facilities capable of meeting international standards.
“Our visit stands as a clear testament to the strengthening bonds of friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh,” said Farhad Islam, describing the tour as informative and encouraging.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi welcomed the interest and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding railway-to-railway cooperation, saying such partnerships could bring mutual economic benefits. Officials revealed that Bangladesh had previously sourced rolling stock from India but now views Pakistan as a more cost-effective alternative.
In the next phase, Bangladeshi railway experts are expected to visit Pakistan for a detailed technical evaluation before finalising any agreement.
Pakistan Railways has a long history of exporting rolling stock, having supplied coaches and wagons to Sri Lanka, Nepal, Chile, and Argentina, and previously exporting to Bangladesh in the 1980s. Officials say renewed interest from Dhaka reflects Pakistan’s growing reputation as a competitive regional supplier.
