ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday underlined the importance of Pakistan Railways as the backbone of the country’s economy and communication network. Chairing a high-level meeting at the PM House, he directed that international-standard legal and economic experts be hired for projects related to regional connectivity and international train links.
The prime minister emphasized adopting a public-private partnership model for railway property and land management, while appreciating the steps taken to restore and upgrade the railways system. He commended Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and his team for their efforts in reviving Pakistan Railways.
Read More: PM Shehbaz pushes Pakistan Railways into digital ag
During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on ongoing modernization projects, including the operationalization of seven digital portals under the ‘Rabta’ initiative, digitization of 54 railway stations, and provision of free Wi-Fi at Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad stations, with 48 more stations set to receive the service by year-end. AI-powered surveillance cameras, digital weighing bridges, and online freight booking systems were also highlighted.
The meeting also covered initiatives to improve passenger services, including high-quality waiting areas, cleanliness standards, food quality oversight, and information desks at major stations. Plans for outsourcing trains, luggage vans, railway hospitals, schools, colleges, rest houses, and dry ports were discussed to generate additional revenue.
Read More: Pakistan Railways Hikes Lahore-Rawalpindi Train Fares
On energy and infrastructure, 155 railway stations have been shifted to solar power, and plans are underway to upgrade the Karachi–Kotri section of Main Line-1-K and Main Line-3. Collaborative projects with the Sindh government on Thar Rail Connectivity, the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul train, and preliminary work on the Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railroad project were also highlighted.