Pakistan Railways has locally produced 40 high-capacity wagons, marking a milestone in the country’s journey towards self-reliance. These state-of-the-art wagons unveiled at Lahore’s Cantt Railway Station by the railways’ Chief Executive Officer, Amir Ali Baloch, in a ceremony celebrating the transfer of advanced manufacturing technology from China to Pakistan. This development not only fulfills a promise made by China but also strengthens the technological collaboration between the two nations.
Designed to meet international standards, these new wagons can carry up to 70 tons of cargo and equipped to transport containers across the country efficiently. With a capability to reach speeds of 100 km per hour, these wagons will significantly enhance the speed and efficiency of freight transport. By the end of the financial year 2025-26, Pakistan Railways plans to introduce 820 such wagons into their system, marking a substantial upgrade to their existing fleet.
The move to produce these wagons domestically set to bring significant economic benefits. It will help conserve foreign exchange and projected to boost Pakistan Railways’ revenue by over Rs 9 billion annually. This initiative is a crucial step towards reducing dependency on imports and promoting local industry.
Speaking at the inauguration, CEO Amir Ali Baloch emphasized the importance of this achievement, highlighting that local production of these high-capacity wagons is a major leap towards economic self-sufficiency. A spokesperson from Pakistan Railways also noted that these wagons represent a new era for freight transportation in Pakistan, adhering to global standards and enhancing the department’s operational capabilities.