Bangladesh eyes Pakistan as cost-effective source for railway rolling stock

Bangladesh has expressed interest in purchasing railway rolling stock, including freight wagons and passenger coaches, from Pakistan, citing competitive pricing and manufacturing capability, officials said.

A two-member Bangladeshi delegation recently visited Pakistan Railways facilities, including the carriage factory in Islamabad and the Mughalpura Workshop in Lahore, to assess production capacity and technical standards. The delegation included Farhad Islam, secretary for international organisations and consular affairs, and Mohammad Iqbal Hussain Khan, Bangladesh's high commissioner to Pakistan, says Dawn.

During the visit, Pakistan Railways officials briefed the delegation on technical capabilities, ongoing projects and manufacturing processes, including locomotive maintenance and rehabilitation. The Bangladeshi officials conveyed appreciation for Pakistan's technical expertise and professional competence, according to officials familiar with the discussions.

Bangladesh has traditionally sourced railway rolling stock from India but is now exploring Pakistan as a cost-effective alternative. Pakistan has previously exported rolling stock to Bangladesh, with deliveries dating back to the 1980s.

Pakistan Railways currently supplies coaches and freight wagons to several countries, including Sri Lanka, Nepal, Chile and Argentina, reflecting what officials describe as modern, indigenous manufacturing capabilities.

Pakistan's Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi has indicated an intention to advance bilateral cooperation in the railway sector. Officials said the next phase of engagement will involve a detailed technical evaluation by railway experts from Bangladesh.