Islamabad, Aug 10, 2025; Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi announced that the ambitious Pakistan Railways modernization program is progressing rapidly, with key initiatives like digital transformation, infrastructure upgrades, and outsourcing slated for completion within this year.
The Faisalabad Railway Station, in particular, is set for a world-class overhaul within the next 45 days, elevating it to modern international standards.
During his visit to Faisalabad Railway Station on Saturday, Abbasi shared that a colossal $10 billion initiative is underway, featuring the construction of an 850-kilometer railway line stretching from Kohat to Mazar-i-Sharif, with an additional 75-kilometer extension planned to connect Uzbekistan.
These developments align with the prime minister’s vision of enhancing regional connectivity and modernizing rail infrastructure nationwide.
Highlighting the strides in technological innovation, Abbasi said the railway’s ticketing system is now fully automated, complemented by a live train tracking mechanism and the installation of ATM kiosks at major stations.
In partnership with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, free WiFi hotspots are being rolled out at 40 stations across Punjab, starting from Lahore and soon expanding to Faisalabad, Karachi, Hyderabad, and other key cities.
The minister also revealed that the outsourcing process for nine to eleven passenger and freight trains, along with rest houses, special saloons, hospitals, and schools, will be finalized by September 30. This move aims to enhance service quality and boost Pakistan Railways’ revenue streams.
Notably, special saloons once reserved for government officials have now been opened for public rental at affordable rates.
To improve station environments, Abbasi said that modern waste management companies have taken over operations at several major stations including Rawalpindi, Multan, Lahore, and others, with more agreements pending. Additionally, provincial food authorities have been granted direct access to monitor and ensure high-quality food services for passengers.
New Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains, capable of carrying 650 passengers each and expandable as needed, will soon be operational on routes such as Lahore–Faisalabad, Narowal, and Kasur. Furthermore, the Punjab government is investing Rs. 50 billion in railway development, upgrading routes including Lahore–Faisalabad, Lahore–Narowal, and more.
A significant Rs. 250 billion is earmarked for a modern double-track and signaling system between Lahore and Rawalpindi, which will cut travel time by 2 to 2.5 hours.
Abbasi also noted that construction has started on a linear park from Shahdara to Raiwind, costing Rs. 2.35 billion, alongside station upgrades in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Taxila. The Sheikh Zayed to Kuchlak railway section in Balochistan is also being enhanced.
Read More: Pakistan Railways Announces Billions in Track & Train Upgrades
An agreement with the Sindh government will see Rohri Railway Station upgraded following the Lahore model, with a state-of-the-art Karachi station expected to open by September 10. Feasibility studies for the 250-kilometer Sibi–Rohri section and 480-kilometer Rohri–Karachi track are slated for completion within months, with construction anticipated to begin by next June.
Importantly, the Thar Coal railway line is targeted for completion by next April, aiming to drastically reduce electricity generation costs from Rs. 15 to Rs. 4 per unit. The Reko Diq rail link, expected by 2028, will also modernize mineral transport.
To foster competition and better services, the minister explained the new Track Access Fee policy allows the private sector to operate their own wagons and trains on the network.
The Faisalabad Railway Station revamp will be supported by local industrialists and traders, while Gujranwala Station’s upgrade will receive funding from Aleem Khan personally. Inspired by Lahore Station’s swift modernization, Abbasi is determined to replicate similar high standards nationwide.
This extensive Pakistan Railways modernization will directly benefit 8,000 to 10,000 daily passengers at Faisalabad alone and further cement the city’s role as a pivotal industrial and commercial center.
