63pc PR locomotives have exceeded 20 years of service, NA body told

ISLAMABAD (APP) - The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Railways was informed by officials that more than 63 percent of locomotives have exceeded 20 years of service, contributing to operational disruptions and delays.

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

The meeting was presided over by Member of National Assembly, 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 Committee was informed that incidents of locomotive failures have shown a slight increase compared to previous years, largely due to an aging fleet.

To address these issues, the Committee 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. The Committee was further briefed on the availability of passenger coaches.

It was 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.

Officials 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 informed that Pakistan Railways recorded passenger earnings of Rs. 48.832 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.

Secretary Pakistan Railways briefed the Committee on ongoing efforts related to restructuring and outsourcing various sections of the department to improve efficiency and enhance passenger services.

Following deliberations, the Committee constituted a sub-committee to further examine the matters discussed.

The issue of non-functional air-conditioning units in passenger coaches was also reviewed.

Officials informed the Committee that failures have increased due to averaged AC units; however, the replacement process is underway.

Of the 153 new AC units procured, 85 have already been installed, while the remaining units are expected to be installed by March 2026. Progress on the overhauling of power vans and procurement of spare parts was also shared.