Pakistan Railways to Export Coaches and Wagons to Five Countries

ISLAMABAD — In a historic shift for the national carrier, Pakistan Railways has officially entered the global export market. Federal Minister for Railways, Hanif Abbasi, announced on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, that Pakistan is set to export locally manufactured railway coaches and wagons to five international destinations, marking a significant milestone in the country’s “Made in Pakistan” industrial initiative.

Expanding the Footprint: The Target Markets

The move signals Pakistan’s transition from a rolling stock importer to a regional manufacturer capable of meeting international standards. The initial export phase will target a diverse group of nations across three continents:

• South Asia: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

• South America: Chile and Argentina.

Ambassadors from these five nations have been invited to the Ministry of Railways this week for detailed technical presentations on the project’s scope and the specifications of the locally produced units.

The Power of Technology Transfer

This breakthrough is the fruit of a long-term technology-transfer agreement with China. By manufacturing high-speed passenger coaches and high-capacity freight wagons at the Pakistan Railways Carriage Factory in Islamabad and the Mughalpura Workshop in Lahore, the department has achieved:

1. Self-Reliance: Ending the dependence on expensive imports for rolling stock.

2. Standardization: Developing 8-wheeler wagons capable of carrying 60 tons of cargo at high speeds, which have already been declared fit by international inspectors.

3. Cost Efficiency: Providing a competitive alternative for developing nations looking to modernize their rail infrastructure.

Record-Breaking Momentum

The export announcement comes on the heels of a massive financial turnaround for Pakistan Railways.

• Revenue Milestone: The department achieved a record revenue of Rs. 10 billion in December 2025 alone.

• Freight Expansion: Through private-sector partnerships, the transport of coal, phosphate, and containers has been streamlined, making rail a cheaper and greener alternative to road transport.

• Fleet Modernization: CEO Amir Ali Baloch confirmed that the department aims to introduce 850 new freight wagons by the end of 2026, with many produced entirely within Pakistan.

“Pakistan Railways is no longer just a domestic service; it is becoming a Rs100 billion revenue-earning entity and a global player,” stated Minister Abbasi.

Strategic Importance

Beyond the immediate exports, Pakistan is positioning itself as a regional transit hub. With the ML-I project set to begin in July 2026 and a new $7 billion rail link agreement with Kazakhstan expected on February 3, the export of rolling stock is the final piece of the puzzle in Pakistan’s regional connectivity vision.

Frequently Asked Questions.

1. What has Pakistan Railways announced?
Pakistan Railways has announced the export of locally manufactured railway coaches and wagons to five international countries.

2. When was the export announcement made?
The announcement was made on January 28, 2026, by Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi.

3. Which countries will import Pakistan-made railway coaches and wagons?
The initial export destinations include Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Chile, and Argentina.

4. Where are these railway coaches and wagons manufactured?
They are produced at the Pakistan Railways Carriage Factory in Islamabad and the Mughalpura Workshop in Lahore.

5. How did Pakistan Railways achieve export-quality production?
Through a long-term technology transfer partnership with China, enabling high-speed and high-capacity rolling stock manufacturing.

6. What type of wagons are being exported?
Pakistan is exporting 8-wheeler freight wagons capable of carrying up to 60 tons at high speeds.

7. How does this move support the “Made in Pakistan” initiative?
It showcases Pakistan’s industrial capabilities, reduces reliance on imports, and positions the country as a regional manufacturer.

8. What recent financial milestone has Pakistan Railways achieved?
The department recorded a historic revenue of Rs. 10 billion in December 2025.

9. What are Pakistan Railways’ future expansion plans?
The department plans to add 850 new freight wagons by the end of 2026, many of them locally manufactured.

10. Why is this development strategically important for Pakistan?
It strengthens Pakistan’s role as a regional transit hub and supports major projects like ML-I and upcoming rail links with Central Asia.