Pakistan Railways Set to Locally Manufacture High-Capacity Wagons with Chinese Support
Nov 15, 2025
Pakistan Railways (PR) has entered the final stage of its plan to locally manufacture 295 high-capacity freight wagons with assistance from China, aiming to complete the project by March. Senior officials confirmed that production targets have already been assigned to PR’s manufacturing units to ensure timely delivery.
The department has also outlined production goals for more than 170 high-speed passenger coaches, including brake vans, which are expected to be completed by June 2027. Officials say the initiative is part of a long-term effort to modernize both freight and passenger services through the introduction of upgraded rolling stock.
PR General Manager (Manufacturing & Services) Ghulam Qasim explained that the program began four years ago when the railways placed orders for 820 wagons and 230 passenger coaches under a technology transfer agreement with China.
He noted that China has already produced 200 freight wagons and 46 coaches, while also providing training to Pakistan Railways staff. Chinese engineers are now working alongside local teams as PR completes the remaining units at its carriage factories and workshops.
So far, Pakistan Railways has finished 325 wagons, including 200 semi-knocked-down and 95 completely knocked-down units. The 200 wagons manufactured in China included 70 flat container wagons, 70 high-sided open-top wagons, 20 covered wagons, and 20 brake vans.
Qasim added that the remaining 295 wagons will be produced in phases at the Risalpur factory and Mughalpura workshops in Lahore, with manufacturing scheduled to begin on November 25 and conclude on March 30.
