Pak Railways, Chinese company for cooperation

LAHORE:

At a busy factory in Lahore, the assembly of 115 flat cars in Complete Knocked Down (CKD) form marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s rail freight transport. Scheduled to be deployed in April, these wagons are part of a 620-unit order co-produced by Pakistan Railways and China’s Baotou Beifang Chuangye Co, Ltd

“Once all 620 freight wagons are fully operational, these wagons will double Pakistan’s rail transport capacity,” said Philippe Mi, the Chinese project manager for the 820 High-Capacity Wagon (HCW) project. In 2021, Beifang Chuangye secured a contract to supply 820 high-capacity freight cars, including open, flat, covered wagons and caboose. By 2022, 200 wagons had been delivered and integrated into the rail system.

In 2024, 115 open-top coaches, assembled in Semi Knocked Down (SKD) form at the Risalpur plant, were deployed on routes connecting Karachi port with inland destinations. This expansion has increased cargo handling capacity while reducing storage pressures at the Port of Karachi. “This initiative is a pivotal step towards reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local industry,” said Aamir Baloch, Managing Director of Pakistan Railways. He emphasized its role in strengthening economic self-sufficiency and modernizing freight transport.

Standard wagon designs ensure functional compatibility and reduce maintenance costs. Ishaq Butt, the Pakistan project manager for the 820HCW project, highlighted this efficiency, noting its importance in the context of national infrastructure priorities.

The project also created around 450 direct jobs, with many young technicians gaining valuable training. “This domestic manufacturing project has trained many new technicians and skilled workers for our rail division, significantly enhancing our manufacturing capabilities and sustaining them for the future,” Bhatt added.

Beifang Chuangye has provided comprehensive support, including staff training, equipment upgrading, inventory management and quality control procedures. These efforts have enhanced the capabilities of the assembly lines in Lahore and Rishalpur.