KEY POINTS
- Pakistan Railways to introduce state-of-the-art Diesel Multiple Unit trains
- These high-speed, air-conditioned trains will operate at speeds up to 160 km/h
- The project will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model
- Pakistan Railways will provide track access and operational oversight
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has launched an ambitious project to introduce modern Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains capable of speeds up to 160 km/h, marking a significant step toward modernising the country’s ageing railway infrastructure.
These DMU trains promise to revolutionize passenger travel with their sleek, air-conditioned coaches and impressive speed capabilities.
Designed to reach velocities of up to 160 km/h, they are set to transform the Lahore-Lalamusa-Rawalpindi corridor into a high-speed travel route.
This introduction is part of a larger vision to revamp the railway system, which includes the modernisation of Main Line 1 (ML-1) and the acquisition of robust locomotives.
As the railway landscape evolves, these enhancements signal a promising future of connectivity for Pakistan.
During a presentation in Islamabad, senior officials briefed Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi on the project.
It will be executed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, ensuring the DMU fleet is operated and maintained efficiently.
The investor will take on full responsibility for funding, acquiring, and financing the rolling stock, adhering to regulations, and covering track access fees.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways will facilitate track access, oversee operations, and assist in obtaining necessary approvals while focusing on upgrading the railway tracks for seamless service.
This initiative aligns with the government’s vision to modernize Pakistan’s railway sector and bolster connectivity between major urban centres.
The arrival of DMU trains will enhance commuter convenience, shorten travel times, and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
With a seating capacity for 380 passengers, these air-conditioned rail cars promise a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
This endeavour reflects Pakistan Railways’ commitment to elevating railway services, ensuring a reliable and pleasant journey for all passengers.
Pakistan Railways aims to collaborate with the Punjab government to drive economic growth and bolster infrastructure development.
Railway tracks in Pakistan
The Pakistan Railways network comprises 7,791 route-kilometres (7,346 km of broad gauge and 445 km of metre gauge). There are 1,043 km of double-track sections (in total).
The broad-gauge track axle load limit is 22.86 tonnes, except for the Rohri–Chaman Line (limit 17.78 tonnes) and Quetta–Taftan Line (limit 17.27 tonnes).
The maximum speed on most lines is 105 kilometres per hour (65 mph), but upgraded sections of the Karachi–Peshawar Line allow speeds up to 120 kilometres per hour (75 mph).
In future, Pakistan Railways aims to upgrade all main lines to 160 kilometres per hour (99 mph).
New rail lines have been proposed by Pakistan Railways to connect Gwadar Port to Central Asia, including:
- Karachi–Gwadar Railway Line (Makran Railway)
- Gwadar–Mastung Branch Line
- Basima–Jacobabad Branch Line
- Bostan–Zhob–Dera Ismail Khan Branch Line
- Islamabad–Muzaffarabad Branch Line
- Jhang Sadar–Risalewala Branch Line
