- Minister says sweeping reforms rolled out to drive modernization, saying Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul train to resume by Dec 31
- Claims Kazakhstan freight link in final stage with 400-km Reko Diq line, 884 km upgrades planned
- Says Karachi Station redeveloped, Shalimar Express revamped while 160 new wagons to be added by 2026
LAHORE: Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Sunday announced a comprehensive package of modernization projects aimed at transforming Pakistan Railways into a modern, efficient, and passenger-friendly system.
Addressing a press conference at the Railway Headquarters, the minister said the reform drive—focused on better passenger facilities, freight efficiency, and regional connectivity—is proceeding successfully under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
Abbasi revealed that Pakistan Railways is working to restore the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul train service by December 31, while an agreement with Uzbekistan has been followed by a new accord being finalized with Kazakhstan to enhance freight movement up to Chaman, opening trade routes to Central Asia and Europe.
He announced that a new 400-kilometer track would be laid for the Reko Diq project, with work to be undertaken on a total of 884 kilometers of the railway network. Negotiations are underway with the Asian Development Bank for a Rs2 billion financing agreement to upgrade the 500-kilometer Rohri–Karachi track, with groundbreaking expected by July 2026. Upgradation of Rohri–Peshawar and Main Line-2 is also being considered.
The minister said the Karachi Railway Station had been redeveloped into a larger, more modern complex than Lahore Station, where cleaning and washing operations have been outsourced. He added that the newly upgraded rake of Shalimar Express will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister on November 7, while Awam Express, Rehman Baba Express, and Allama Iqbal Express are also being upgraded with modern kitchens, dining cars, and quality meals.
Abbasi said Cargo Express is expected to generate an additional Rs3.5 billion, though he regretted that passenger revenues had long been used to subsidize freight—a practice “against global norms.”
He announced that by March 23, 2026, 160 new locally manufactured wagons would be added, with railway services extended to the cement and automobile sectors. For the Lahore–Rawalpindi railcars, new rakes will be completed by October 31 and November 19, while four rakes for the Lahore–Narowal section will be ready by December 31.
Abbasi said 26 commercial plots in Badami Bagh would be auctioned, 48 warehouses outsourced, and 10 running rooms renovated by February 2026. Around Rs 800 million has been allocated for repairing staff quarters’ roofs and upgrading Sukkur, Lodhran, and Rohri stations.
He added that 180 CCTV cameras would be installed at Rawalpindi Station, the Vigilance Department had been reactivated to curb corruption, and 1,500 Railway Police recruits—appointed on merit—will pass out on November 4.
Abbasi also paid tribute to railway staff martyred in Balochistan, reaffirming that safety, food quality, and transparency remain top priorities. He said all rail accident inquiry reports have been received, with necessary action underway.
