Bangladesh has expressed strong interest in procuring freight wagons and passenger coaches after Pakistan offered railway rolling stock at comparatively lower prices than other international suppliers. Consequently, Dhaka has begun technical engagements with Pakistan Railways to explore potential cooperation in the sector.
A two-member Bangladeshi delegation recently visited the Pakistan Railways carriage factory in Islamabad and the Mughalpura Workshop in Lahore to review manufacturing facilities and assess production standards. According to railway officials, the visit aimed to evaluate Pakistan’s capacity to supply modern and cost-effective rolling stock.
The delegation included Bangladesh’s Secretary for International Organisations and Consular Affairs and designate D-8 commissioner, Farhad Islam, along with Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Mohammad Iqbal Hussain Khan. During the Lahore visit, Chief Mechanical Engineer Muhammad Nasir Khalili briefed the visitors on technical capabilities, operational processes, and ongoing projects. Officials also screened a documentary highlighting the workshops’ strengths.
Khalili said Pakistan and Bangladesh shared historical and cultural ties and possessed significant potential for railway-sector cooperation. The delegation later toured the Mughalpura Locomotive Workshop, where officials explained maintenance, rehabilitation, and manufacturing stages.
Export potential and future cooperation highlighted
The visiting diplomats termed the tour informative and encouraging, praising Pakistan Railways’ technical expertise and professionalism. Farhad Islam said the visit reflected strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi also stressed the importance of railway-to-railway collaboration, saying such partnerships could deliver mutual economic benefits. Pakistan Railways currently exports coaches and wagons to Sri Lanka, Nepal, Chile, and Argentina, reflecting its indigenous manufacturing capacity.
Officials said Bangladeshi railway experts would visit Pakistan in the next phase for a detailed technical evaluation.
