Similar to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Pakistan Railways is facing financial difficulties. As per a report from a national daily, the country’s second-largest state-owned enterprise lacks the financial means to replace 100 locomotives that have surpassed their operational lifespan of 20 to 25 years.

Due to financial constraints, Pakistan Railways is compelled to continue operating these aging locomotives. The report reveals that among these 100 engines, 35 were purchased in 1975 and have outlived their expected lifespan.

Moreover, administrative hurdles have compounded the challenge of replacing the aging fleet. An official informed the national daily that Pakistan Railways urgently requires 100 new locomotives to replace the outdated ones procured in 1975 and 1990. The primary obstacle lies in the scarcity of funds required for procuring new locomotives and the significant maintenance costs incurred in keeping the old ones operational.

The official also highlighted the rising number of incidents attributed to faults in the aged engines. He urged the federal government to allocate funds for Pakistan Railways in the forthcoming annual budget for 2024-25 under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

Providing statistics, the official mentioned the number of locomotives purchased since 1975. Despite having a fleet of over 350 active locomotives of various specifications, Pakistan Railways has over 60 engines that are no longer in use. The official stated that only 138 locomotives have an operational lifespan of 12 to 20 years, while the remaining locomotives, particularly those acquired in 1975 and the 1990s, have exceeded their expected lifespan.

The official emphasized that the procurement of a minimum of 100 new engines is essential to address the shortage of locomotives. This investment would lead to significant savings by reducing maintenance costs associated with old engines and by adopting new, fuel-efficient engines available in the market.