Pakistan Railways Unveils Sweeping Modernization Plans
Major reforms target efficiency, speed, and passenger experience
Pakistan Railways is set for a significant overhaul, with the government announcing ambitious reforms to boost efficiency, reduce travel times, and digitize services. The initiative includes substantial investment in key routes and a focus on enhancing passenger amenities.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Speed Boost
A substantial Rs50 billion has been earmarked to upgrade the Lahore-Rawalpindi track, a move expected to slash travel duration to a mere two hours. This upgrade aims to significantly improve connectivity and passenger convenience on this vital corridor.
Furthermore, an agreement for the Rohri-Karachi railway section is nearing finalization, promising improved operations on another crucial route. These infrastructure developments are central to the modernization drive.
Enhanced Passenger Services and Digital Integration
Travelers can anticipate a more comfortable journey with plans to outsource cleaning services at key stations in Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore. Food quality is also slated for enhancement, alongside the introduction of free Wi-Fi at Lahore Railway Station.
The railway system is embracing digitization, with plans to link sixteen banks to the railways app and install ATMs at 348 stations. This digital push aims to streamline ticketing and financial transactions for passengers.
Hanif Abbasi, Minister for Railways, emphasized the transformative nature of these reforms. He stated, “Pakistan Railways is the pride of Pakistan,”
expressing confidence in making it profitable by addressing systemic issues.
“The railways issues stem not from labourers but from unnamed individuals who looted the system.”
—Hanif Abbasi, Minister for Railways
Operational Efficiency and Security Measures
To combat inefficiencies, three railway companies have been dissolved, and efforts are underway to recall employees on extended leave. The minister also highlighted plans for a new 105-kilometer coal transport track, expected to significantly reduce electricity costs.
In a bid to curb irregularities, Abbasi issued a stern warning against ticketless travel. “Smuggling and theft used to plague Railways. Now, anyone traveling without a ticket or aiding such activities will face imprisonment,”
he cautioned.
To bolster security, Pakistan Railways has recruited 500 new personnel for the Railway Police and plans to acquire scanners and metal detectors funded by the department’s budget.
Focus on Employee Welfare and Cleanliness
A compassionate approach is being taken with contract workers, with options for reassignment being considered instead of outright dismissal. The “Suthra Punjab”
initiative will be extended to Railway colonies, aiming to improve living conditions for staff and their families.
Abbasi asserted unprecedented improvements in cleanliness across the system, claiming, “The level of cleanliness we have now achieved in Railways has never been seen before.”
The initiative comes as Pakistan Railways aims to revitalize its services, mirroring efforts seen in other national rail networks like Deutsche Bahn, which has invested heavily in digital infrastructure and passenger experience enhancements to boost ridership and revenue.
