RAWALPINDI / ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has launched a major initiative to digitise its network, with completion scheduled for June 2026. The announcement came during a meeting chaired by Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, where the Directorate of IT presented the progress and implementation plans of the Railway Advanced Infrastructure Network (RAIN) Project Phase I.
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Phase I of RAIN will be executed entirely by Pakistan Railways using its own revenue, marking the largest digitisation effort in the organisation’s history. The project aims to introduce GPS tracking for all trains and locomotives, establish smart and safe railway stations in major cities, and provide high-speed internet at selected stations.
The initiative also includes the creation of command and control centres at Lahore headquarters and all divisional offices, as well as the “fiberisation” of 1,700 kilometres of the ML-1 railway network. This will allow real-time monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and faster responses in emergencies, significantly improving operational efficiency and passenger safety.
Minister Abbasi emphasised that the RAIN Project would reduce train delays and accidents, enhance passenger services, and modernise Pakistan Railways into a safe, efficient, and passenger-centric organisation. The project builds on the success of the Rawalpindi station model and reflects the organisation’s financial self-reliance and operational sustainability.
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In a related development, the Senate Standing Committee on Railways elected Senator Shahadat Awan as its new chairman. The election was held at the Parliament House and attended by members including Senators Ashraf Ali Jatoi, Dost Ali Jeesar, Rubina Khalid, and Nasir Mahmood. Senator Jeesar proposed Senator Awan’s name, which was seconded and unanimously approved by the committee.