Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi announced that Pakistan Railways will complete several key projects this year, including its digitalization, upgradation, and outsourcing. He said the ministry will upgrade Faisalabad Railway Station to modern international standards within the next 45 days.
Speaking to the media during his visit to Faisalabad Railway Station on Saturday, Abbasi revealed a $10 billion project to build an 850-kilometer railway track from Kohat to Mazar-i-Sharif, along with a 75-kilometer extension into Uzbekistan. He said these projects are part of the Prime Minister’s vision to modernize rail operations, improve regional connectivity, and provide world-class facilities to passengers.
Under the digitalization plan, Pakistan Railways has not only fully automated the ticketing system but also made train tracking operational and installed ATMs at major stations.
. In collaboration with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, it is introducing free WiFi at 40 railway stations across the province, starting from Lahore and soon expanding to Faisalabad, Karachi, Hyderabad, and other cities.
Pakistan Railways will complete the outsourcing process by September 30, covering passenger and freight trains, rest houses, special saloons, hospitals, and schools to improve services and boost revenue. Special saloons once reserved for government officials are now available for the public at affordable rates.
Pakistan Railways has also upgraded the cleanliness system, assigning solid waste management companies to operate at key stations in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Khanewal, Multan, Raiwind, and Okara. It has given provincial food authorities direct access to stations to ensure passengers get quality food.
Abbasi announced that modern Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains with a capacity of 650 passengers will operate on routes like Lahore–Faisalabad, Narowal, and Kasur, with the option to expand capacity.
The Punjab government is investing Rs. 50 billion in railway upgrades, including eight key routes, while Rs. 250 billion is allocated for a new double track and modern signaling between Lahore and Rawalpindi, cutting travel time by up to 2.5 hours.
Other major projects include a linear park from Shahdara to Raiwind, upgrading stations in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Taxila, and improving the Sheikh Zayed–Kuchlak section in Balochistan. Under an agreement with the Sindh government, Pakistan Railways will upgrade Rohri Station on the Lahore model and open a modern Karachi station on September 10.
Pakistan Railways will complete feasibility studies for the Sibi–Rohri and Rohri–Karachi sections in the coming months and start construction next year. It plans to finish the Thar Coal track by April to lower power generation costs and complete the Reko Diq railway link by 2028 to support mineral transport.
Under the Track Access Fee policy, the private sector can now operate its wagons and trains to encourage competition and provide better, more affordable services.
Local industrialists and traders will support Faisalabad’s station makeover, while Aleem Khan will personally fund the Gujranwala station upgrade, Abbasi said. He promised to bring the same quality seen at Lahore Station to the rest of the country, noting that Faisalabad’s upgrade will directly benefit 8,000–10,000 passengers daily and strengthen its role as an industrial and commercial hub.
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