Hanif Abbasi Unveils Massive Overhaul of Pakistan Railways -

PAKISTAN – Railways

ADB Approves $2 Billion Loan for Karachi–Rohri Railway Track, New Railway Track Construction, Karachi–Rohri: 480 km (new track), Rohri–Nokundi (Reko Diq project): 500 km (new track), Nokundi–Taftan: 87 km (new track), People’s Train (Balochistan): 54 km (new route)

Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has said that, on the directives of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Pakistan Railways is witnessing comprehensive development across all sectors for the first time in its 78-year history. He stated that work has commenced simultaneously on complete digitization, outsourcing, construction of new railway tracks, and the improvement of passenger facilities.

Addressing a press conference, the Federal Minister informed that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 2 billion loan for the construction of a 480-kilometer new railway track between Karachi and Rohri, which will reduce travel time by at least five hours. The groundbreaking of the Karachi–Rohri project is expected in July 2026, and the project will be completed within two and a half to three years.

Hanif Abbasi stated that under the Reko Diq project, work is underway on a 900-kilometer railway track from Rohri to Nokundi, which includes the construction of 500 kilometers of new track and the upgrading of 400 kilometers of existing track. Additionally, the 87-kilometer Nokundi–Taftan track has been included in the project to improve rail connectivity with Iran.

He further said that a 54-kilometer People’s Train route is being launched in Balochistan at a cost of Rs 4 billion, while eight regional routes will be established in Punjab. Sindh and Punjab, along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are being included in new railway development projects.

The Federal Minister said that, for the first time, provinces have been offered the opportunity to operate branch lines. Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan have already allocated funds, while consultations with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government are ongoing. He added that progress is being made on railway connectivity with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Iran, and that the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul railway service will be launched after obtaining security clearance.

Hanif Abbasi informed that cleanliness and improvement work at Rawalpindi Railway Station has been completed. Three prime trains have already been upgraded, and more trains will be upgraded by June 30. He announced that by December 31, all major trains will be upgraded, featuring security cameras, Wi-Fi, hostesses, and modern dining cars. Wi-Fi routers have been installed at railway stations, and ticket booking has been enabled through the Rabta App.

He further stated that a 1,700-kilometer fiber optic network is being laid, Karachi and Lahore railway stations are being made safer and more secure, and stickers similar to M-Tag will be installed on trains. Progress is also underway on a Rs 8.9 billion digital system agreement with FWO and a USD 85 million project with DP World at Pipri Yard.

The Federal Minister said that 155 railway stations have been shifted to solar energy, and Pakistan Railways has achieved its highest-ever daily revenue of Rs 300 million. He added that, at the request of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and with the provision of funds, the Lahore–Rawalpindi new track project will reduce travel time to two and a half hours upon completion.

He further stated that Pakistan Railways has set a target of achieving Rs 1 trillion in revenue by June 2026, and under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Pakistan Railways will be transformed into a modern, safe, and profitable organization.

The Federal Minister also assured that the rights of all railway employees are fully protected. Railway hospitals and schools are being outsourced, all hospitals will be upgraded, and free medical treatment will be provided to railway employees at railway hospitals. Additionally, 14 running rooms are being further improved to facilitate railway staff. – PID/ERMD

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