AIA News

LAHORE (AIA) Pakistan Railways added at least 40 high-capacity, locally manufactured wagons to its fleet on Wednesday, following China’s assistance in equipping Pakistan with local manufacturing technology.

Amir Ali Baloch, the Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Railways, inaugurated the new, international standard wagons at the Cantt Railway Station in Lahore, a statement released by Pakistan Railways read.

According to the statement, these modern-design wagons will also be able to move containers from one place to another and are capable of carrying loads up to 70 tonnes. Now, the freight train will also be able to run at a speed of 100 km per hour, read the statement, adding that 820 such coaches will be inducted into the railway system by the end of the financial year 2025–26.

The statement highlighted that manufacturing wagons at the local level will not only save foreign exchange reserves but will also increase revenue by more than Rs 9 billion every year.

“Local manufacturing of wagons is a major step towards self-reliance,” Baloch said, addressing the inauguration ceremony.

A spokesperson for Pakistan Railways stated that the department has developed the wagons to meet international standards for freight transport.