Pakistan Railways to add 43 US locomotives, 70 power plants

July 15, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan Railways is set to strengthen its operations over the next six months with the induction of 43 American-made GU-40 locomotives, 70 power plants, and newly refurbished passenger coaches as part of efforts to modernize services and improve operational efficiency.

Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said the planned additions would help address long-standing shortages of locomotives and coaches, enhance passenger and freight services, upgrade travel facilities, and increase the department's revenue.

Speaking to APP, the minister said the railway system had suffered from years of inadequate maintenance, particularly of locomotives and power plants, but noted that the government had taken steps to reverse the situation.

He said all 43 locomotives are expected to join the fleet by September 30, while seven power plants are being inducted every month, enabling the network to return to full operational capacity within six months.

Abbasi also announced the end of the VIP culture within Pakistan Railways, saying luxury railway salons and guest house accommodations previously reserved for senior officials, including the minister, chairman, chief executive, and inspector general, have been opened for public use at affordable rental charges.

On the financial front, the minister said Pakistan Railways has generated Rs115bn in revenue so far, attributing the performance to improved teamwork despite limited resources and aging infrastructure.

He added that the freight business registered 27% growth, while freight revenue doubled from Rs8 billion to Rs16bn despite shortages of engines and wagons.

The minister said Pakistan Railways is also continuing its campaign to recover encroached land worth billions of rupees across the country.

He said reclaimed residential, commercial, and agricultural properties would be leased through transparent public auctions, adding that officials from the Peshawar Division have been directed to finalize commercial plans for recovered land during a meeting next week.

On regional rail connectivity, Abbasi said agreements have been signed with provincial governments to expand local train services.

He said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet has approved operations on three routes, subject to federal cabinet approval, while Punjab plans to introduce local trains on eight routes and Sindh on three routes.

He further said the "Peoples Train" project in Balochistan is scheduled to be launched on August 14 with financial support of Rs14 billion from the provincial government.

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