As part of a significant renewable energy initiative, 155 railway stations across Pakistan are being transitioned to solar power, a move expected to save the national exchequer millions of rupees. This development was highlighted during a high-level meeting held on Wednesday at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad, according to an official statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The session was chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif and included Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, who provided a detailed briefing on the ongoing reforms within Pakistan Railways.
Minister Hanif Abbasi informed the meeting about the resumption of several previously discontinued railway services. The Bolan Mail has recently been reinstated as a daily train service, while the Dera Ghazi Khan and Khushhal Khan Khattak Express trains have also been restored to operation. These revivals reflect efforts to improve connectivity and boost passenger convenience across key routes.
In addition to service restoration, the outsourcing process is underway for concrete sleeper factories located in Sukkur, Khanewal, and Kohat. Outsourcing initiatives also extend to railway hospitals, schools, colleges, and rest houses across major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, and Sukkur, all structured under revenue-sharing models to enhance operational efficiency and generate additional income for Pakistan Railways.
A noteworthy asset, the Royal Palm Golf and Country Club in Lahore, is currently being auctioned, with prospects for a five-star hotel development on the premises, signaling a push towards commercializing railway-owned properties for added revenue.
Digitisation is a key pillar in Pakistan Railways’ modernization drive. The restructuring of its IT Directorate is progressing rapidly to support digital transformation efforts. Organizations including Pakistan Railways Advisory & Consultancy Services, Railcop, Pakistan Railways Freight Transport Company, and the Project Implementation Unit have been dissolved to streamline operations. Additionally, railway land valued at Rs10 billion has been successfully recovered, demonstrating a crackdown on unauthorized use of railway property.
Collaborations with provincial governments have also advanced multiple projects. In partnership with the Punjab government, efforts are underway to develop a high-speed train service between Lahore and Rawalpindi, upgrade the Lahore and Rawalpindi railway stations, and launch suburban train services on eight branch lines within Punjab. Meanwhile, cooperation with the Balochistan government is focused on upgrading sections of the Saryab-Kuchlak and Quetta-Chaman railway lines to improve regional connectivity.
Environmental sustainability is also part of the agenda, with plans to develop a green belt along both sides of the Shahdara Bagh to Kot Lakhpat railway line, enhancing the ecological footprint of the railway corridor.
The Prime Minister instructed the formulation of a strategic plan to expand Pakistan Railways’ network with a particular focus on strengthening trade links with Central Asian countries. Accelerated efforts are also being directed towards integrating Gwadar port into the national railway network, which is expected to boost economic activity and regional trade.
This multifaceted approach to revamping Pakistan Railways combines renewable energy adoption, infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation, and strategic expansion, signaling a new era for the country’s railway sector aligned with sustainability and economic growth goals.
