In a significant stride towards self-reliance, Pakistan Railways has introduced 40 high-quality freight wagons manufactured locally through technology transferred from China. This move marks a pivotal moment in the modernization of the country’s transportation infrastructure.
At an inauguration ceremony held at a railway station in Lahore, Chief Executive Officer Aamir Ali Baloch highlighted the importance of this development. “The induction of these international standard wagons represents a crucial step in reducing our dependency on imports and conserving foreign exchange,” he stated.
The newly designed wagons enhance the versatility of freight trains by allowing efficient container transportation. “Previously, the low speed of freight trains caused substantial delays in commercial goods delivery,” Baloch explained. “These new wagons will increase freight train speeds to 100 kilometers per hour, expediting services and contributing significantly to the national economy.”
The addition of the locally manufactured wagons is projected to boost Pakistan Railways’ freight revenue by over 9 billion rupees (approximately 32 million U.S. dollars) annually, providing much-needed financial stability to the institution.
Looking ahead, Pakistan Railways plans to integrate a total of 820 new wagons into the system by the end of the fiscal year 2025-26, with continued cooperation from China. This collaboration reflects the country’s dedication to modernization and efficiency, setting new standards in the transportation sector.
Reference(s):
China's technology transfer boosts self-reliance of Pakistan railways
cgtn.com
