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By Sabeeh Zanair :
Project will replace ageing power units to improve air conditioning, lighting and onboard reliability
Pakistan Railways has launched a Rs3 billion modernisation programme to upgrade the power systems of its passenger trains, aiming to improve onboard facilities and reduce service disruptions caused by ageing equipment.
The initiative includes the procurement of 16 new power plants, which will replace outdated units currently installed in express and passenger trains operating across the country. Officials say the project is designed to provide a more reliable electricity supply for air conditioning, lighting and other essential onboard services.
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi said the procurement process is progressing, with bidding, tendering and contractor shortlisting already underway. He added that the purchase of the new power plants is expected to be completed by December, while installation and related work will continue in phases.
Alongside the new purchases, Pakistan Railways is overhauling and repairing older power units that can still be restored to service. According to the minister, the department aims to ensure that all passenger trains are equipped with either new or fully refurbished power systems by March next year.
At present, Pakistan Railways owns 95 train power plants, but only 45 are operational, leaving more than half of the fleet with damaged or inactive units that require repairs or replacement.
The shortage of functioning power systems has been a longstanding challenge for the railway network, often leading to passenger complaints about air conditioning failures, inadequate lighting and interruptions to onboard electrical services, particularly during long-distance journeys.
Railway officials have also expressed concerns about safety, noting that ageing electrical equipment has been linked to incidents involving short circuits and fires in some train coaches. The new project is expected to improve both passenger comfort and operational safety by replacing unreliable equipment with modern systems.
In addition to upgrading power units used on express services, Pakistan Railways plans to modernise smaller power plants installed on local passenger trains. However, work on that phase of the programme is expected to begin after the completion of the current procurement process.
The investment forms part of Pakistan Railways’ broader strategy to modernise its infrastructure and improve passenger services. In recent years, the department has introduced new coaches, upgraded railway stations and undertaken track rehabilitation projects as it seeks to attract more travellers to rail transport.
Officials believe the latest upgrade will enhance service reliability, particularly during the country’s peak summer months, when uninterrupted power is essential for maintaining air conditioning and ensuring a comfortable travel experience for passengers.
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