Pakistan Railways eyes global markets, plans export of coaches and wagons

WEB DESK: Pakistan Railways is preparing to enter international markets with plans to export locally manufactured passenger coaches and freight wagons to several countries, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Argentina, Chile and Nepal, in what officials are calling a landmark step for the department.

Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi announced the initiative during media interactions on January 28 and 29, saying ambassadors from the interested countries would be invited to the Ministry of Railways this week for detailed briefings on Pakistan Railways’ manufacturing capacity and product range. While formal export contracts are yet to be finalised, the move has generated optimism in both business and railway circles.

The export push follows a major financial milestone for Pakistan Railways, which recorded Rs10 billion in revenue in December 2025, the highest monthly earnings in its history. Abbasi attributed the record performance to improved passenger services, upgraded facilities, growing public confidence and expanded private-sector partnerships in freight operations. Daily earnings, he added, have surged to nearly Rs300 million, breaking a three-decade-old record.

Officials say these gains reflect a broader turnaround at Pakistan Railways, driven by modernised carriage factories and workshops, improved manufacturing standards and more cost-efficient operations. These reforms, they argue, have positioned the department to compete in international markets, making exports a natural next step.

“Pakistan Railways is entering a new chapter,” Abbasi said, describing the export initiative as a reflection of Pakistan’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities on the global stage. He expressed confidence that international orders would help generate foreign exchange and further strengthen the organisation’s financial footing.

With continued modernisation and strategic partnerships, the railways minister said the department was on track to achieve its target of Rs100 billion in annual revenue during the current financial year.

Officials said upcoming engagements with foreign ambassadors and the possible signing of export agreements would determine the scale and timeline of the venture. If successful, the initiative could mark a turning point for Pakistan Railways, signalling its emergence as a competitive supplier of rail equipment in global markets.