Pakistan Railways Locomotives to Return by June 2027
Up to 36 idle Pakistan Railways locomotives will return to service by June 2027, as the department moves to improve train operations, help passengers and raise revenue from passenger and freight services.
A Ministry of Railways official told APP that the department had a fleet of 439 locomotives, of which 267 were operational and 172 remained out of service. Several steps were under way to repair the idle engines and strengthen the department’s capacity, he said.
Sixteen locomotives are expected to return to service by February 2027, while 20 more will become available after major overhauling by the end of 2026. A locomotive damaged in an accident, bearing number 9021, is also expected to be restored after repairs and fitting by June 2027.
Pakistan Railways locomotives: the repair plan
The official said a PC-I for the modernisation of 35 locomotives had been sent to the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, but the proposal had not yet been considered.
Pakistan Railways has also contacted the original equipment manufacturer to explore the restoration of 69 more locomotives, and efforts are under way to bring them back into service.
The same figures were given to the Senate on October 30, when Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi confirmed the February 2027 and end-2026 dates, the PC-I for 35 GMU-30 locomotives and the talks over 69 DPU-20/30 locomotives.
The repair plan follows years of strain on the fleet. In July, Abbasi announced that 43 new American GU-40 locomotives and 70 power plants would join the fleet within six months, along with refurbished passenger coaches. He said poor maintenance over nine to ten years had left the railway short of engines and coaches.
The department also refurbished the Millat Express in October, reopening all three of its rakes at Faisalabad station as part of a wider plan to upgrade passenger trains.
Better facilities for passengers
The official also listed steps to improve the journey for passengers. Modern dining cars and coaches have been introduced on the Shalimar Express, Pak Business Express and Islamabad Express. LED screens with preloaded entertainment and water dispensers have been fitted, and cleaning services are now provided on all trains.
Premium dining cars have been introduced on the Khyber Mail, Allama Iqbal Express and Rehman Baba Express. Seven premium trains offer complimentary services, including high tea, bedding, newspapers, hygiene kits and mineral water. Train hostesses have also been introduced on the Islamabad Express.
At stations, escalators have been installed at Karachi and Lahore, and information desks and free Wi-Fi are available at stations handling nearly 80 per cent of passenger traffic. Cleanliness agreements have been signed with provincial waste management companies.
Waiting halls have been upgraded at major stations, including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Rawalpindi. A new multi-storey Train Dispatching Building has been completed at Lahore station, where a modern computer-based interlocking system will soon be installed. Modern CIP lounges are running at Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi stations, and extensive renovation has been completed at Peshawar Cantt station.
The department has also built modern tuck shops, outsourced the washing of train rakes, and installed ticket vending machines and electronic information boards, along with wheelchairs and ramps for elderly passengers and persons with disabilities. Concessional fares are offered to students, senior citizens, journalists and persons with disabilities.
The Awam Express has been outsourced to a private operator as part of the same push to improve services. Train service between Lahore and Faisalabad has also been restored after a gap. Lahore railway station is undergoing historical restoration work. The Golra Sharif railway museum in Islamabad preserves the history of rail travel in Pakistan. Karachi is also set to get a new four-lane expressway from the port to Qayyumabad.
The Nation reported the plan on Tuesday.
Frequently asked questions
How many locomotives will Pakistan Railways restore?
Pakistan Railways plans to restore up to 36 non-operational locomotives by June 2027, out of 172 engines that are currently out of service.
When will the first locomotives return?
Sixteen locomotives are expected back by February 2027, while 20 more should return after major overhauling by the end of 2026.
How large is the Pakistan Railways fleet?
The department has 439 locomotives in total, of which 267 are operational and 172 are non-operational.
What is being done about the other idle locomotives?
A PC-I for 35 locomotives is with the planning ministry, and the manufacturer has been contacted about 69 more engines.
What passenger facilities have been improved?
Modern dining cars, LED screens, water dispensers, premium dining cars, train hostesses, escalators, free Wi-Fi, upgraded waiting halls and CIP lounges have been introduced.
