Talk about dismantled development. Pakistan is now producing high -speed trains coaches for their low speed.
According to a recent news report, the Islamabad carriages, which produces locomotor and coaches locally, will deliver its first batch of advanced passenger coaches of ‘New Generation’ in approximately three months. These coaches, who can arrive as fast as 200 km per hour and are equipped with some latest generation characteristics, have developed with the help of our Chinese brothers, who themselves have some of the most advanced rail technologies in the world.
But, however impressive the achievement will be, little to make traveling more convenient for Pakistan Railways passengers because our rail network simply does not support trains as fast as that.
For an approximate idea of how much of a disappointment this is, take the current travel times between two of the most busy railroad stations in Pakistan, Karachi Cantonment and Lahore Junction. A train trip from one to another, which covers approximately 1,200 km, usually takes from 18 to 24 hours, depending on the service that day. If Pakistan Railways also had roads and locomotives that were compatible with the new coaches, that travel time in theory could be cut at least halfway, which makes it much more convenient for routine travelers and also improve the attraction of trains trips as a relatively safer, convenient and much more affordable option for all travelers.
Unfortunately, the development of rail capacity to facilitate common travelers does not seem to have been a priority for Pakistan. One cannot avoid envying China in this regard. Beijing-Shanghai’s high speed railroad covers more than Karachi’s track to Lahore, but it takes only 4.5 hours to cross.
If only our politicians could overcome their obsession with the brilliant highway projects that carry their identification plates, perhaps common travelers could also expect such cheap, convenient and fast train trips.
Posted in Dawn, March 28, 2025
