Aging locomotives causing delays

NA panel told over 63% of engines are more than 20 years old

ISLAMABAD:

The National Assembly's Standing Committee on Railways was informed on Wednesday more than 63 per cent of locomotives have exceeded 20 years of service, contributing to operational disruptions and delays.

The requisitioned meeting of the committee on railways was held to review operational challenges faced by the institution, particularly train engine failures and passenger service quality.

The meeting was presided over by MNA Ramesh Lal in the absence of the committee chairman, in accordance with sub-rule (2) of Rule 216 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007.

During the briefing, the panel was informed that incidents of locomotive failures have shown a slight increase compared to previous years, largely due to an aging fleet.

The body was apprised of a range of corrective measures, including improved maintenance regimes, enhanced budgetary allocations, specialized training for technical staff, procurement of quality materials through third-party inspections, and technical assistance from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Plans for the overhauling and modernization of diesel-electric locomotives were also shared with the committee. It was further briefed on the availability of passenger coaches.

The officials clarified that the shortage of coaches, which emerged in June 2025, has largely been overcome through improved workshop efficiency and the restoration of under-repair coaches.

They stated that coach availability has increased from 1,016 in September 2025 to 1,105 against a requirement of 1,100, and is expected to reach 1,150 by June 2026.

Highlighting financial performance, the committee was told that Pakistan Railways recorded passenger earnings of Rs48.832 billion during the fiscal year 2024-25, while revenues in the first half of the current fiscal year have increased by seven percent compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.