Pakistan Manufactures Freight Wagons in Collaboration with Chinese Firm

Pakistan Railways, in partnership with China’s Baotou Beifang Chuangye Co., Ltd., is assembling 115 flat freight wagons in Lahore as part of a Complete Knocked Down (CKD) production venture. These wagons are expected to roll out in April, forming part of a larger order of 620 freight wagons designed to transform the country’s freight transportation capacity.

Philippe Mi, the Chinese project director for the 820 High-Capacity Wagon (HCW) project, shared that the addition of 620 wagons would double Pakistan Railways’ current freight transportation capacity. This is a significant step toward modernizing Pakistan’s railway infrastructure.

The project stems from a 2021 contract awarded to Beifang Chuangye to supply 820 high-capacity freight wagons, including open-top wagons, flat wagons, covered wagons, and cabooses. By 2022, 200 wagons were delivered and deployed.

In 2024, another 115 open-top wagons were assembled in Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) form at Risalpur and are now operational, enhancing freight routes between Karachi Port and inland destinations. These additions have alleviated warehousing pressures at Karachi Port and boosted inland freight efficiency.

Aamir Baloch, CEO of Pakistan Railways, highlighted the initiative’s role in reducing import dependence and fostering local industrial growth. He remarked, “This is a major leap toward economic self-sufficiency and marks the beginning of a new era in freight transportation in Pakistan.”

The project has generated 450 direct jobs, providing opportunities for young technicians and skilled workers. It has also enhanced local manufacturing capabilities through extensive training and skill development.

The standardized design of these wagons ensures compatibility and reduces operational and maintenance costs. Ishaq Butt, the Pakistani project director for the 820HCW project, emphasized the significance of these cost-saving measures for a country prioritizing infrastructure development.

Baotou Beifang Chuangye has played a pivotal role in training personnel and upgrading facilities in Lahore and Risalpur. Their support spans inventory management, process planning, quality control, and system development, ensuring a comprehensive enhancement of Pakistan’s railway manufacturing capabilities.

This joint venture not only bolsters Pakistan’s freight infrastructure but also signals a progressive shift toward industrial independence and regional economic integration.