The first test run of the 46 completely furnished high-speed train coaches, or complete units, that were imported from China last week took place on Thursday between the Cantonment and Rohri stations in Karachi.
The coaches, which were intended to travel at a speed of 160 km/h on local lines, were hauled at a much slower pace of 120 km/h and even lower during the trial run to test their movement, brakes, etc.
The coaches are designed to increase travel security and comfort while assisting Pakistan Railways in providing better services. According to reports, the coaches will only run on the Green Line between Islamabad’s Margalla Station and Karachi in December after the trial.
From the outside, the Chinese coaches are painted in PR’s customary green hue. The various coaches’ interiors are equipped with heating and cooling systems. Some coaches are designed for the economy class, while others include luxurious, comfy seats for the parlour.
In addition to luggage cars, the coaches include additional room in the form of hand-carry luggage racks. The coaches also come with a dining car and more kitchens and kitchenettes.
The parlour coaches have burgundy and pink chairs with plenty of legroom, and folding tables, whereas the AC coaches had purple and blue seats and bunks.
There are LED screens fixed on the back of each headrest to help passengers beat their boredom during their journey. From inside, the coaches look more like the business-class of a luxurious passenger aircraft.
