ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (APP):Pakistan Railways is planning to bring up to 36 non-operational locomotives back into service by June 2027 in a bid to improve train operations, facilitate passengers and enhance the department's revenue. “Pakistan Railways currently has a fleet of 439 locomotives, of which 267 are operational while 172 remain non-operational,” an official in the Ministry told APP. He said the department was taking several measures to restore out-of-service …
Railways to add 36 locomotives to operational fleet by 2027
ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (APP):Pakistan Railways is planning to bring up to 36 non-operational locomotives back into service by June 2027 in a bid to improve train operations, facilitate passengers and enhance the department’s revenue.
“Pakistan Railways currently has a fleet of 439 locomotives, of which 267 are operational while 172 remain non-operational,” an official in the Ministry told APP.
He said the department was taking several measures to restore out-of-service locomotives to operational condition to strengthen its capacity and generate additional revenue.
Giving details, the official said that 16 non-operational locomotives were expected to become operational by February 2027, while another 20 locomotives would be available for service after major overhauling by the end of 2026.
The official said that one accidental locomotive, bearing No. 9021, was also expected to be restored after necessary repairs and fitment by June 2027.
Regarding the modernization of the existing fleet, he said that a PC-I for the modernization of 35 locomotives had been submitted to the MPD&SI and the Ministry of Planning; however, it had not yet been considered.
Meanwhile, he said Pakistan Railways has also contacted the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to explore the restoration of 69 locomotives, with efforts underway to bring them back into operation.
He said the restoration of these locomotives is expected to improve the availability of engines, strengthen train operations and help Pakistan Railways increase its passenger and freight earnings.
To a question, he said to enhance on-board passenger facilitation, state-of-the-art dining cars and modern coaches have been introduced on Shalimar Express, Pak Business Express, and Islamabad Express. LED screens with preloaded programs and water dispensers have been installed, while comprehensive janitorial services are now provided on all trains, he added.
He said the enhanced services are also available on outsourced trains, including Green Line, Pak Business, Shah Hussain, Subak Raftar, Subak Kharam, Rawal Express, and Islamabad Express.
The premium dining cars are operational on Khyber Mail, Allama Iqbal Express, and Rehman Baba, while complimentary services such as high tea, bedding, newspapers, hygiene kits, and mineral water are being offered on seven premium trains. Train hostesses have also been introduced on Islamabad Express, he added.
The official said the significant improvements have also been made in off-board passenger facilitation. Escalators have been installed at Karachi and Lahore railway stations, while information desks and free Wi-Fi facilities now cover stations accounting for nearly 80 percent of total passenger footfall.
He said the cleanliness agreements have been signed with provincial waste management companies in major cities to ensure hygienic platforms, washrooms, and surrounding areas.
The official said the waiting halls have been upgraded at major stations, including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi, while a new multi-story Train Dispatching Building has been completed at Lahore station, where a modern Computer-Based Interlocking system will soon be installed.
He said the modern CIP lounges are operational at Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi stations, and extensive renovation work has been completed at Peshawar Cantt Station.
Additional initiatives include the construction of aesthetically designed tuck shops, outsourcing of train rake washing services, installation of ticket vending machines and electronic information boards, provision of wheelchairs and ramps for elderly and disabled passengers, and concessional fares for students, senior citizens, journalists, and persons with disabilities, he said.
