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Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has announced a comprehensive modernization plan for Pakistan Railways, covering infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation, and regional connectivity projects. Speaking at Faisalabad Railway Station on Saturday, Abbasi confirmed that major initiatives—including the complete digitalization of operations, upgradation of key routes, and outsourcing of several services—will be completed this year. The Faisalabad Railway Station, in particular, will be transformed to modern international standards within 45 days.
$10 Billion Regional Connectivity Project
One of the most ambitious components of the plan is a $10 billion railway project that will lay an 850-kilometer track from Kohat to Mazar-i-Sharif, with a 75-kilometer extension to Uzbekistan. Abbasi stated that the project is aimed at boosting trade and connectivity between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asian states, opening new avenues for economic growth.
Nationwide Digitalization Drive
The minister emphasized that Pakistan Railways is rapidly moving towards full digitalization under the Prime Minister’s vision. The ticketing system has been fully automated, enabling passengers to book tickets seamlessly. A real-time train tracking system has been introduced, and ATM machines have been installed at major stations to facilitate passengers.
In collaboration with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, free WiFi services are being introduced at 40 railway stations across the province. The initiative began in Lahore and will soon extend to Faisalabad, Karachi, Hyderabad, and other major cities.
Outsourcing to Improve Services and Revenue
Abbasi announced that the outsourcing process will be completed by September 30, 2025, covering nine to eleven passenger trains, freight operations, rest houses, special saloons, hospitals, and schools. The goal is to improve service quality and increase revenue.
Special saloons, previously reserved for senior government officials, have now been opened for the public on a rental basis at affordable rates.
Cleanliness and Quality Standards
The cleanliness system of Pakistan Railways has been modernized, with solid waste management companies taking over at multiple stations, including three in Rawalpindi, as well as Khanewal, Multan, Raiwind, Okara, and three in Lahore. Agreements for additional stations are in progress.
Provincial food authorities have also been granted direct access to stations to ensure passengers receive safe and hygienic food during their journeys.
Introduction of Modern DMU Trains
Abbasi announced that Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains with a capacity of 650 passengers each will be introduced on various short-distance routes, including Lahore–Faisalabad, Narowal, and Kasur. These trains will be expandable based on passenger demand, providing faster, more comfortable, and modern commuting options.
Rs. 50 Billion Punjab Railway Uplift Plan
The Punjab government is investing Rs. 50 billion in railway projects, covering the upgradation of eight major routes, such as Lahore–Faisalabad, Lahore–Narowal, Lahore–Kot Addu, and Lahore–Kasur.
Additionally, Rs. 250 billion has been allocated for constructing a new double track and modern signaling system between Lahore and Rawalpindi, which will reduce travel time between the two cities to just 2–2.5 hours.
Key Infrastructure Projects Across Pakistan
A linear park is being developed along the railway line from Shahdara to Raiwind at a cost of Rs. 2.35 billion. Upgradation works are also planned for Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Taxila stations, along with a 50-kilometer section from Sheikh Zayed to Kuchlak in Balochistan.
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Under an agreement with the Sindh government, Rohri Railway Station will be upgraded following the Lahore Station model, while the modernized Karachi Railway Station is expected to be inaugurated on September 10.
Feasibility Studies and Future Tracks
Feasibility studies for the 250-kilometer Sibi–Rohri and 480-kilometer Rohri–Karachi tracks will be completed in the coming months, with construction expected to start by June 2026.
The Thar Coal railway track is scheduled for completion by April next year, which will reduce electricity generation costs from Rs. 15 to Rs. 4 per unit. Meanwhile, the Reko Diq railway link is set to be completed by 2028 to enhance mineral transportation efficiency.
Encouraging Private Sector Participation
Under the Track Access Fee policy, private companies are now allowed to operate their own wagons and trains, fostering competition and offering passengers more affordable travel options.
Public-Private Partnerships for Station Upgrades
The Faisalabad Railway Station transformation will be carried out with the cooperation of local industrialists and traders, while Gujranwala Station’s modernization will be personally funded by businessman Aleem Khan.
Abbasi cited the record-time modernization of Lahore Railway Station as a benchmark for similar upgrades nationwide. He noted that the Faisalabad Station upgradation will directly benefit 8,000 to 10,000 daily passengers and further strengthen Faisalabad’s role as an industrial and commercial hub.
