ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways is facing a rising number of locomotive failures, with over 63 per cent of its engines having exceeded 20 years of service, officials told the National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways on Wednesday. The aging fleet has increasingly strained operations, prompting officials to outline corrective measures aimed at stabilising services and improving passenger experience.
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The Railways ministry informed the committee that plans are underway for the overhauling and modernisation of diesel-electric locomotives. Enhanced funding and improved maintenance schedules are being implemented to reduce breakdowns and ensure smoother operations across the network.
The committee, chaired by Ramesh Lal, was also briefed on the availability of passenger coaches. Officials said the shortage faced since June 2025 has largely been resolved through workshop efficiency improvements and restoration of coaches previously under repair.Pakistan Railways to launch ML-I modernization from Karachi Port in July 2026 – boosting freight & upgrading tracks.
Coach availability increased from 1,016 in September 2025 to 1,105, meeting the current requirement of 1,100, while projections indicate a need of 1,150 by June 2026. The committee was further informed that Pakistan Railways achieved record passenger earnings of Rs48.832 billion in fiscal year 2024-25, and revenue in the first half of the current fiscal year rose 7 per cent year-on-year.
The Secretary of Pakistan Railways briefed members on restructuring and outsourcing initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and service quality. A sub-committee was formed to examine these matters in detail and recommend further improvements.
Service quality issues, including non-functional air-conditioning units in passenger coaches, were also discussed.
Officials said failures have increased due to overaged AC units, but replacements are being carried out to improve passenger comfort.
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Overall, the committee acknowledged that while Pakistan Railways faces challenges due to an aging fleet, ongoing maintenance, modernisation, and efficiency initiatives are gradually improving service standards and operational stability.