ICF partners with Chinese company for new railway coaches

ICF partners with Chinese company for new railway coaches that will be produced with advanced features.

Pakistani Federal Minister for Railways, Hanif Abbasi, announced on Monday afternoon that the Islamabad Carriage Factory (ICF) has partnered with China’s Changchun Car Company to produce a new generation of Chinese-designed railway coaches, catering to the evolving needs of the industry.

During his visit to the Islamabad Carriage Factory, the minister conducted a detailed inspection of the facility. As the largest industrial unit under Pakistan Railways, operating under the Ministry of Railways, the factory has the capacity to manufacture 120 passenger coaches annually.

While touring various departments, the minister was briefed on the production process, quality standards, and the incorporation of modern technology in manufacturing. He also assessed the progress of passenger coaches currently being built at the facility.

These newly designed coaches come equipped with advanced features, including air spring bogies, electric hot axle detection systems, improved ride comfort, enhanced durability, and a maximum speed capability of 180 kilometers per hour.

During the visit, the minister met with Project Director Wulei and discussed strategies to expand the factory’s production capacity. He emphasized the need to enhance local manufacturing capabilities to reduce Pakistan Railways’ dependency on imports and move towards self-sufficiency. He also directed officials to implement measures to improve the factory’s overall production efficiency.

Additionally, the minister instructed the Director-General of Food to inspect the quality of food at railway station hotels and tuck shops and submit a detailed report.

Established in 1970 with technical support from the French company Alstom (formerly Linke Hofmann Busch), the Islamabad Carriage Factory was set up to promote local manufacturing of electric and diesel locomotives, as well as railway coaches, with the goal of minimizing reliance on imported machinery.