Pakistan Railways (PR) is entering the final phase of locally manufacturing 295 high-capacity wagons with Chinese technical assistance, aiming to complete production by March 2026. This initiative forms part of PR’s broader plan to modernize both freight and passenger operations across the country.
The programme began four years ago under a technology transfer agreement with China, with initial orders including 820 wagons and 230 passenger coaches. China produced 200 wagons and 46 passenger coaches while training Pakistani personnel to handle local manufacturing.
Ghulam Qasim, PR General Manager (Manufacturing & Services), stated,
“Chinese engineers are assisting our local teams to ensure quality and timely production. Our goal is to strengthen Pakistan Railways’ rolling stock capabilities.”
So far, PR has completed 325 wagons locally, including 200 semi-knocked-down and 95 fully knocked-down units. The wagons produced in China included flat container wagons, high-sided open-top wagons, covered wagons, and brake vans.
The remaining 295 wagons will be manufactured in phases at PR’s Risalpur factory and Lahore’s Mughalpura workshops, starting November 25 and concluding by March 30. Additionally, PR plans to produce over 170 high-speed passenger coaches, including brake vans, by June 2027.
With local wagon manufacturing, Pakistan Railways aims to reduce dependence on imports, enhance operational efficiency, and modernize the national rail network, marking a significant step toward self-reliance in railway infrastructure.