FAISALABAD – Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has announced that a series of major projects — including the digital transformation of Pakistan Railways, infrastructure upgrades, and the outsourcing of key services — will be wrapped up within the current year. Among the earliest milestones will be the complete overhaul of Faisalabad Railway Station, which the minister promised would meet “modern international standards” within 45 days.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to Faisalabad Railway Station on Saturday, Abbasi said the government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, is pushing both short-term and long-term initiatives aimed at overhauling rail operations, boosting regional connectivity, and providing world-class facilities to passengers.
Digital Push and Passenger Services
The minister said the ticketing process has been fully automated, a train-tracking system is operational, and ATM machines have been installed at major stations. In collaboration with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, free Wi-Fi is being rolled out at 40 stations across the province — starting in Lahore and soon expanding to Faisalabad, Karachi, Hyderabad, and other cities.
Outsourcing for Efficiency
Abbasi revealed that the ongoing outsourcing programme — covering nine to eleven passenger trains, freight services, rest houses, saloons, hospitals, and schools — will be completed by September 30. The move, he said, will not only improve service quality but also boost revenue streams. In a symbolic shift, special saloons previously reserved for government officials have been made available to the public at affordable rental rates.
Cleanliness, Food Quality, and Modern Trains
The cleanliness system has been overhauled, with solid waste management companies taking charge in several major stations including Rawalpindi, Khanewal, Multan, Raiwind, Okara, and Lahore. Provincial food authorities now have direct access to railway premises to ensure quality food for passengers.
The minister also announced the launch of modern Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains on routes such as Lahore–Faisalabad, Narowal, and Kasur. Each train will carry up to 650 passengers, with capacity expansion planned based on demand.
Massive Investments in Rail Infrastructure
The Punjab government has earmarked Rs50 billion for upgrading eight key routes, including Lahore–Faisalabad, Lahore–Narowal, Lahore–Kot Addu, and Lahore–Kasur. Another Rs250 billion will be invested in a new double track and modern signalling system between Lahore and Rawalpindi — a project expected to slash travel time between the two cities by up to 2.5 hours.
Work has also begun on a Rs2.35 billion “linear park” from Shahdara to Raiwind, alongside upgrades to Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Taxila stations. In Balochistan, the 50-kilometre Sheikh Zayed–Kuchlak section will be modernized. Under an agreement with the Sindh government, Rohri Railway Station will be upgraded on the Lahore model, while a revamped Karachi station is set to open on September 10.
Future Projects on the Horizon
Feasibility studies for the 250-kilometre Sibi–Rohri and 480-kilometre Rohri–Karachi tracks are expected within months, with construction planned for mid-2026. The Thar Coal track is targeted for completion by April next year, aiming to cut electricity generation costs from Rs15 to Rs4 per unit. The Reko Diq rail link is slated for completion in 2028 to enhance mineral transport.
Abbasi also mentioned a $10 billion project for an 850-kilometre rail line from Kohat to Mazar-i-Sharif, including a 75-kilometre extension into Uzbekistan. Under the Track Access Fee policy, the private sector can now operate its own wagons and trains, fostering competition and improving service affordability.
The minister concluded by saying Faisalabad’s transformation would directly benefit 8,000–10,000 daily passengers and strengthen the city’s role as an industrial and commercial hub. Similar development, he added, will soon be visible across the country’s rail network.
