Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has directed the authorities concerned to completely revamp the Pakistan Locomotive Factory, Risalpur, in accordance with global standards and fully utilize its production capacity.

He issued these directives during his visit to the factory today.

On the occasion, the Minister reviewed various sections of the factory, including production activities, locomotive repair and rehabilitation, and local manufacturing of spare parts.

He directed that all trains be equipped with fully functional braking systems by the end of this year to further enhance operational safety and efficiency.

Hanif Abbasi also directed that manufacturing of AGE-30 locomotives be undertaken on a priority basis and that 400 hopper wagons be produced from next year.

The Minister was informed that 300 spare parts have been locally manufactured at the Risalpur factory, resulting in foreign exchange savings amounting to 2.6 billion rupees.

He was further informed that modernization of 15 AGE-30 locomotives is underway, while rehabilitation of 16 more AGE-30 diesel-electric locomotives is planned from next month.