Farooq Awan

Pakistan Railways has launched an extensive program to replace outdated air-conditioning units in its passenger coaches, according to a document available with Wealth Pakistan.

The initiative aims to restore comfort and improve the overall quality of travel. Currently, 231 air-conditioned coaches are in operation, while demand for AC-equipped coaches stands at 208. The replacement project targets 153 coaches, with 85 units already replaced. By March 2026, 68 more AC units are slated for replacement, marking a significant stride towards meeting the growing demand for comfortable travel.

The need for this overhaul stems from a crisis in June 2025, when 16 AC units failed due to the units exceeding their 25-year service life. This led to disruptions and a sharp decline in service quality, especially during the hotter months. To tackle this, Pakistan Railways has already secured new AC units for replacement in 153 coaches, a move expected to improve service reliability and passenger comfort.

The aging fleet of AC units, which had been in service for over two decades, had been struggling to meet the needs of passengers, resulting in an increased focus on timely replacements. As part of the ongoing modernization effort, these new AC units will be deployed in the coming months, ensuring that Pakistan Railways stays ahead in providing reliable and efficient services.

This development comes as part of a larger push by the government to upgrade public transport infrastructure and ensure a better travel experience for millions of Pakistanis who rely on the railway system for long-distance travel. With the replacement of these units, the railway sector aims to provide a more comfortable, modernized, and reliable means of transport in the coming years.

Credit: INP-WealthPk