The plenning railway track connection with Central Asia.
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi announced that this year will see the finalization of major initiatives, including the digital transformation of Pakistan Railways, its improvement, and outsourcing efforts. He also mentioned that the modernization of Faisalabad Railway Station to meet international standards is expected to be completed within the next 45 days.
During a media briefing held at Faisalabad Railway Station on Saturday, he disclosed plans for a $10 billion project aimed at building an 850-kilometer railway line from Kohat to Mazar-i-Sharif, along with a 75-kilometer extension into Uzbekistan.
Abbasi highlighted that in accordance with the Prime Minister’s vision, both short-term and long-term projects are being executed across the country to modernize rail operations, improve regional connectivity, and provide world-class amenities for passengers.
He pointed out that as part of the digitalization efforts, the ticketing system has been fully automated, the train tracking system is now functional, and ATM machines have been installed at major stations.
In partnership with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, he noted that WiFi services are being introduced at 40 railway stations throughout the province. This initiative began in Lahore and will soon extend to Faisalabad, Karachi, Hyderabad, and other cities.
He also mentioned that the outsourcing process is anticipated to be finalized by September 30, which will include nine to eleven passenger trains, freight trains, rest houses, special saloons, hospitals, schools, and other facilities aimed at improving service quality and increasing the revenue of Pakistan Railways.
Additionally, he stated that special saloons, which were previously designated for government officials, are now available for public rental at competitive prices.
He stated that the cleanliness system has been updated, while solid waste management companies have assumed responsibilities at the three stations in Rawalpindi, as well as in Khanewal, Multan, Raiwind, Okara, and the three stations in Lahore. He mentioned that agreements for additional cities are also in the process of being finalized, and that all provincial food authorities have been granted direct access to the stations to monitor and ensure the provision of quality food for train passengers.
He announced that modern Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains would be operational on various routes, including Lahore to Faisalabad, Narowal, Kasur, and others, each with a capacity of 650 passengers, which can be expanded as necessary.
He indicated that the Punjab government is investing Rs. 50 billion in railway development projects, which include the upgrading of eight routes such as Lahore–Faisalabad, Lahore–Narowal, Lahore–Kot Addu, and Lahore–Kasur. Additionally, Rs. 250 billion has been allocated for a new double track and a modern signaling system between Lahore and Rawalpindi, which is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities by 2 to 2.5 hours.
Hanif Abbasi mentioned that work has commenced on a linear park from Shahdara to Raiwind, with a budget of Rs. 2.35 billion. Other initiatives include the enhancement of Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Taxila stations, as well as the upgrading of the 50-kilometer Sheikh Zayed to Kuchlak section in Balochistan.
Under an agreement with the Sindh government, Rohri Railway Station will be upgraded following the Lahore model, while a modern station in Karachi is anticipated to be inaugurated on September 10.
He stated that the feasibility study for the 250-kilometer Sibi–Rohri section and the 480-kilometer Rohri–Karachi track is expected to be completed in the next couple of months, with construction anticipated to commence by June of the following year.
Furthermore, he noted that the Thar Coal track is scheduled for completion by next April, which will lower electricity generation costs from Rs. 15 to Rs. 4 per unit, while the Reko Diq railway link is projected to be completed by 2028 to modernize mineral transportation.
The minister stated that the Track Access Fee policy permits the private sector to manage its own wagons and trains, aiming to foster competition and deliver improved, more affordable services.
He revealed that the complete overhaul of Faisalabad Railway Station would be executed with the support of local industrialists and traders, while the enhancement of Gujranwala Station would be personally financed by Aleem Khan.
Referencing the rapid modernization of Lahore Railway Station, he expressed his commitment to replicate that level of quality across all stations nationwide.
The upgrade of Faisalabad Station is expected to directly benefit between 8,000 and 10,000 passengers each day, further solidifying the city’s status as an industrial and commercial center, he noted.
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