A high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House examined a wide range of matters related to Pakistan Railways. Officials provided a detailed briefing on modernisation efforts, digital transformation initiatives, revenue generation opportunities and progress on regional rail connectivity projects. PM Shehbaz called the railway system a critical pillar of economic activity and communication networks, and acknowledged the ongoing efforts by Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi and his team to revive and upgrade key components of Pakistan Railways. He stressed that the sector must continue integrating updated technology and collaborative models to meet current operational needs.
Participants of the meeting were informed that Pakistan Railways is moving ahead with digitalisation under its RABTA platform, which now hosts seven active digital portals. According to the briefing, 56 trains have shifted to the RABTA system, while 54 stations have undergone digitisation. Connectivity improvements were highlighted through the availability of free Wi-Fi at major stations in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad, with plans to extend this service to 48 more stations by December 31. A Freight Online Booking System has been launched to simplify logistics operations for customers, and a pilot digital weighing bridge project has started at Karachi City Railway Station. This system will later expand to Pipri, Karachi Cantt, Port Qasim, Lahore and Rawalpindi to support more accurate freight handling.
The forum also reviewed security, facilities and infrastructure improvements. Officials shared that 148 AI surveillance cameras have been installed at Rawalpindi Railway Station, and ATM machines from multiple banks are being placed at stations to enhance convenience. Cleanliness and hygiene at stations have been improved through outsourcing contracts. Upgraded waiting areas for passengers have been completed at major stations, and information desks have been established to streamline assistance services. Provincial food authorities have been granted access to monitor the quality of food and beverages at railway stations, ensuring compliance across vendors.
Revenue-focused initiatives were a major part of the briefing. Four trains have already been outsourced, with advertisements issued for outsourcing eleven more, projected to generate an additional revenue of Rs8.5 billion. Furthermore, 40 goods and brake vans have been outsourced, with expected revenue of Rs820 million. Two cargo express trains are also in the outsourcing pipeline, projected to generate Rs6.3 billion. Work is underway to outsource railway hospitals in Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta and Sukkur, along with railway schools, colleges and rest houses. Railway dry ports located in Lahore, Islamabad and Azakhel are included in the outsourcing plan. To support energy efficiency efforts, 155 stations have been shifted to solar power.
Institutional restructuring was also reviewed as Railway Constructions Pakistan Limited, Pakistan Railways Freight Transportation Company and Pakistan Railways Advisory and Consultancy Service have been shut down. A strategy is being finalised for upgrading the Karachi Kotri section of Main Line 1 and Main Line 3. Work on the Thar Rail Connectivity project will move ahead with support from the Sindh government. On international cooperation, officials shared that the Islamabad Tehran Istanbul train service will commence soon, while early work is progressing on the Kazakhstan Uzbekistan Afghanistan Pakistan rail project. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema and senior government officials.
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