Saeed Ahmad
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared the modernization of Pakistan Railways as a key national policy priority, emphasizing its vital role in the country’s economic and industrial development. Chairing a high-level meeting on railway affairs, the Prime Minister directed officials to rebuild the country’s railway infrastructure on sustainable foundations and expand the network to strengthen trade ties with Central Asian states.He stressed that railways serve as the backbone of any economy and must be aligned with modern needs to enhance regional trade and connectivity. PM Shehbaz also ordered the acceleration of efforts to link Gwadar with the national rail network, calling it crucial for future trade routes. During the briefing, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi highlighted ongoing reforms and said Pakistan Railways holds immense potential for investment. Key updates include the installation of modern information desks at major stations and outsourcing of sanitation services in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan stations.Railways is also working with provincial food authorities to improve the quality of food served on trains and platforms. Several long-discontinued services have been revived, including the Bolan Mail (now operating daily), as well as Dera Ghazi Khan and Khushhal Khan Khattak Express.Efforts are underway to outsource concrete sleeper factories in Sukkur, Khanewal, and Kohat, while railway schools, hospitals, and rest houses in major cities are also being outsourced on a revenue-sharing model. The Royal Palm Golf and Country Club in Lahore is being auctioned for redevelopment into a five-star hotel.Railways’ digital transformation is also gaining momentum. Free Wi-Fi is now being offered in trains, and a modernized mobile app will allow ticket bookings. Meanwhile, 155 railway stations are being shifted to solar energy, potentially saving millions of rupees.Under a rightsizing initiative, over 17,000 positions have been abolished, with more cuts planned. Several subsidiaries, including PRACS, Railcop, Freight Transport Company, and the Project Implementation Unit, have also been dissolved. Additionally, Rs. 10 billion worth of encroached railway land has been reclaimed. In collaboration with the Punjab government, plans are progressing for a high-speed rail link between Lahore and Rawalpindi, modernization of stations, and suburban train services on eight branch lines. A green belt will be created along the Shahdara Bagh–Kot Lakhpat line, and fruit trees will be planted along main lines with support from the Punjab Forest Department.The federal government is also working with the Balochistan government to upgrade the Sariab–Kuchlak and Quetta–Chaman railway sections.Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated the speed of the ongoing reforms and lauded Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi for his leadership. The meeting was also attended by State Minister for Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, PM’s Adviser Dr. Tauqir Shah, and senior officials.
