ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORTER
Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, has announced historic achievements for Pakistan Railways, marking a record-breaking performance in the institution’s 77-year history. Speaking to the media, the Minister revealed that the department generated a record income of Rs. 83 billion during the first eleven months of the current fiscal year.
In preparation for Eid-ul-Adha, Pakistan Railways will operate five special trains and offer passengers a 20% discount on fares for three days. The move aims to facilitate the public and manage the high volume of holiday travelers.
Minister Abbasi emphasized the implementation of all agreements made with the media and pledged full transparency in operations. He stated that the international tendering process for the Royal Palm Express has been completed, and multiple major outsourcing projects are underway. These include the outsourcing of hospitals and 14 schools to provide affordable, high-quality healthcare and education to railway employees and their families. The quality of education offered to employees’ children will match that of private institutions, with fees aligned to railway guidelines.
He also highlighted improvements in cleanliness and food quality at Chaklala and Margalla railway stations. Strict monitoring is being conducted, and all four provincial food authorities are collaborating to enhance food standards within the railway system. Plans are in place to soon launch front desk and train hostess services to improve passenger experience.
In line with the Punjab Model, rigorous anti-encroachment operations are ongoing, with billions of rupees’ worth of railway land being recovered. The initiative includes reclaiming commercial, agricultural, residential, and station yard lands. Strengthened ties with the Punjab Government have also led to the revival of several stalled projects dating back to 2016.
As part of the Green Pakistan Program, tree plantation along railway tracks is underway. Work is progressing on railway projects worth Rs. 45 billion for Punjab.
Plans are in motion to increase train speeds to 160 km/h, which will reduce travel time between Lahore and Rawalpindi to just two hours. Additionally, 1,413 new wagons are being constructed, with 500 dedicated to freight services. A new rail service between Lahore and Narowal will be launched on June 15, while an international freight train will soon begin operations from Lahore to Multan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heading towards Russia. Development projects are also underway in collaboration with Kazakhstan.
Highlighting the need for infrastructure upgrades, the Minister pointed out that railway enhancements are crucial for the transport of resources such as Reko Diq minerals and Thar coal. Three non-performing freight and audit companies have been shut down to streamline operations. Plans are also underway to modernize the Margalla Railway Station.
Concluding his address, Minister Abbasi stated that these efforts are aimed not at profit-making but at transforming Pakistan Railways into a modern, transparent, and people-friendly institution. He praised the efforts of railway employees and assured them of free healthcare services, while non-employees will be charged as per policy.
The comprehensive reforms signal a new chapter for Pakistan Railways, aligning with national development goals and enhancing the passenger experience across the board.
