LAHORE: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has unveiled an ambitious and comprehensive roadmap to modernize Pakistan Railways, calling its revitalization critical to the country’s economic revival.
Speaking to media at Lahore Railway Station on Sunday after arriving from Rawalpindi by train, Abbasi lauded recent improvements at the station and expressed hope for similar upgrades across the nation. He announced that Rawalpindi and Taxila stations have been adopted by the Punjab Tourism Development Corporation, with escalators already installed at key hubs to enhance accessibility.
In a green initiative, the railway line from Shahdara to Kot Lakhpat will be lined with trees in collaboration with the Punjab Forest Department. Additionally, a pilot project to provide free Wi-Fi at 40 stations has been launched to improve passenger experience.
Key station services such as cleanliness, washrooms, waiting halls, and dining areas are being outsourced to meet international standards, with Lahore, Raiwind, and Lahore Cantt already benefiting from outsourced cleaning services. Washing lines will also be outsourced, starting from Rawalpindi by September 30.
Abbasi revealed that the critical Karachi–Rohri track will be the first to be upgraded, laying the foundation for a nationwide modernization of the railway network. He lamented that, had this approach been taken earlier, the ML-1 project might have been completed using domestic resources.
To address the booming freight sector, private companies are being encouraged to operate their own freight coaches. Additionally, food quality on trains and at stations will now be monitored by provincial food authorities to ensure hygiene.
In a democratizing move, Abbasi announced that special saloons previously reserved for top officials are now open to the public—with officials also required to pay for their travel. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to inaugurate a revamped Business Train on July 19 at Lahore Station. The train will feature 28 fully digital coaches, free Wi-Fi, and a world-class dining car.
To improve overall station accessibility, elevators will be installed, and a special porter welfare package will be launched with the support of the Akhuwat Foundation.
Abbasi also issued a strong warning against ticketless travel and train delays, ordering absentee officers to return or vacate government housing. All foreign tours for railway officers have been suspended to focus on domestic efficiency.
He noted that several MoUs with the Punjab government and PITB are being finalized to accelerate digitization and service delivery. He thanked Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for allocating funds for the Lahore–Rawalpindi track upgrade, urging swift action on bridges, underpasses, and fencing for commuter safety.
The minister emphasized ongoing talks with the Sindh government to replicate Punjab’s station upgrade model. However, he voiced dissatisfaction with the “Rabita” mobile app and directed immediate technical improvements. Abbasi also criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for its underwhelming performance in public services, especially after the recent Swat incident, citing growing public frustration.
Reaffirming his commitment to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, Abbasi pledged to transform Pakistan Railways into a modern, efficient, and passenger-friendly system within 60 days, with the Karachi–Rohri track fully upgraded in two years as part of a broader national transformation plan.
