LAHORE:
The government on Sunday outlined major reforms for Pakistan Railways, including an imminent agreement on the RohriKarachi section, a Rs50 billion allocation to upgrade the LahoreRawalpindi track, reducing travel time to two hours and the digitisation of the railway system.
The development came as Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi addressed the “Meet the Press” event at the Lahore Press Club.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister announced “sweeping reforms” to modernise the sector, highlighting improvements such as outsourcing cleaning services at seven stations across Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore, enhancing food quality, and installing free Wi-Fi at Lahore Railway Station.
He highlighted key infrastructure upgrades, including a soon-to-be-finalised agreement for the RohriKarachi railway section and a Rs50 billion allocation by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to upgrade the Lahore-Rawalpindi track, reducing travel time to two hours.
Escalators and information desks have been introduced at stations, and a 105-kilometer railway track for coal transport is set to be completed by April 30, reducing electricity costs from Rs15 to Rs4.5 per unit. Additionally, a business train with Wi-Fi-equipped coaches and high-quality dining will be inaugurated on July 29 by PM Shehbaz Sharif.
The minister announced plans to digitise the railway system, link sixteen banks to the railways app, and install ATMs at 348 stations. To address inefficiencies, three railway companies have been shut down, and long-leave employees would be recalled.
“Pakistan Railways is the pride of Pakistan,” Abbasi declared, promising to make it profitable if the federal government covers pensions and salaries. He stressed that the railways issues stem not from labourers but from unnamed individuals who looted the system.
He emphasised the need for investment in railways to boost the national economy, warning that major reforms are imminent and bureaucratic inefficiencies will not be tolerated.
Addressing employment concerns, Abbasi revealed a compassionate approach to contract workers. “We could dismiss contract employees with a one-month salary, but instead, we are considering reassigning railway sanitation staff to their local areas,” he shared, signaling a commitment to employee welfare.
The “Suthra Punjab” initiative will be extended to Railway colonies, aiming to enhance living conditions for staff and their families. Abbasi also claimed unprecedented improvements in cleanliness across the railway system, stating, “The level of cleanliness we have now achieved in Railways has never been seen before.”
Cracking down on illegal activities, Abbasi issued a stern warning against ticketless travel and related offenses. “Smuggling and theft used to plague Railways. Now, anyone traveling without a ticket or aiding such activities will face imprisonment,” he cautioned.
To bolster security, Pakistan Railways has recruited 500 new personnel for the Railway Police and plans to acquire scanners and metal detectors using the department’s own budget.
