Pakistan. China cooperating to manufacture new generation of Chinese-designed coaches: Railways Minister
Gwadar Pro
Islamabad: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has said that in response to the evolving needs of the industry, Islamabad Carriage Factory (ICF) entered into an agreement with the Chinese company, Changchun Car Company, to manufacture a new generation of Chinese-designed coaches.
The minister visited the Islamabad Carriage Factory (ICF) for a detailed inspection. This factory is the largest industrial unit under Pakistan Railways, which operates under the Ministry of Railways, Government of Pakistan. The factory has the capacity to produce 120 new passenger coaches annually.
During the visit, the Minister inspected various departments of the factory and received a detailed briefing on the production process, quality, and use of modern technology. The Minister also reviewed the passenger coaches being manufactured at the facility.
These coaches include advanced features such as air spring bogies, electric hot axle detection, improved ride quality, durability, and speed capabilities, with a top speed of 180 kilometers per hour.
The Minister met with Project Director Wulei during the visit and discussed increasing the factory’s production capacity. He emphasized the need to enhance the factory’s production capabilities so that Pakistan Railways can reduce its reliance on imports and become self-sufficient. The Minister also issued instructions for measures to enhance the factory’s capacity.
The Minister also issued directives to the Director-General of Food to visit railway stations immediately and inspect the quality of food at station hotels and tuck shops, providing a detailed report.
Islamabad Carriage Factory was established in 1970 with the cooperation of the French company Alstom (formerly known as Linke Hofmann Busch).
The purpose of the factory was to promote the local production of electric and diesel locomotives and coaches in Pakistan, reducing the reliance on imported machinery.
