Hanif Abbasi announces railway reforms, new track projects

Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi on Tuesday outlined an ambitious reform and development agenda for the Pakistan Railways, announcing large-scale infrastructure upgrades, digitization, improved security, and new railway tracks across the country.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Abbasi said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had entrusted him with the responsibility of revamping the Pakistan Railways, calling it one of the biggest challenges due to outdated infrastructure dating back to the 18th century. He said he was specifically tasked with digitizing the railways and outsourcing work related to new railway tracks.

The minister announced that a 480-kilometer new railway track will be constructed from Karachi to Rohri, with the foundation stone to be laid in July 2026. The project is expected to be completed within two and a half years. In addition, a 900-kilometer track from Rohri to Naukundi will be built with the cooperation of Reko Diq’s firm RDMC, including 500 kilometers of new track and the lifting of 400 kilometers of existing lines.

He revealed that eight new regional railway routes will be developed in Punjab, a plan already approved by the Punjab government. In Balochistan, a “People’s Train” project worth Rs 4 billion is being launched to improve public transport facilities.

Abbasi said he is scheduled to meet Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on the 8th to discuss railway improvements, including upgrades to the Sukkur Express. He shared that the railways chairman has held meetings with the the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to improve branch lines in partnership with the Pakistan Railways, while he himself will meet the KP chief minister in the second phase.

The minister announced that by December 31 trains on all major routes will be upgraded. These upgrades include installation of security cameras, onboard hostesses, modern kitchens, and improved passenger services. Wi-Fi has already been installed at railway stations, while tickets will be booked through the Rabita app. Fiber-optic cables will be laid across 1,700 kilometers, and Karachi and Lahore railway stations will be made more secure. Trains will also carry tracking stickers similar to the M-Tag system.

He said a $40 million project in Papri will be completed on January 9, while railway hospitals across the country will be upgraded. All railway employees and their families will receive free medical treatment at railway hospitals, and 14 new running rooms will be prepared to improve staff working conditions.

Speaking on governance and law enforcement, Abbasi said encroachments on 776 acres of railway land are being removed, with notices already issued to land grabbers. He disclosed that Pakistan Railways has filed nine cases, while Rs 45 billion is recoverable. He added that meetings have been held with the DG NAB to pursue recoveries.

The minister claimed major improvements in railway security, stating that smuggling and theft within Pakistan Railways have been brought down to zero. He said 1,500 new recruitments were made in the railway police through a transparent process without any political recommendations. Several train services and railway racks, including Rawalpindi–Lahore rail cars and all four racks of Narowal, have also been upgraded.

On future development, Abbasi said ML-1 will be constructed in phases, with one section funded by the Asian Development Bank, another by the Punjab government, while the remaining sections will be developed through international tenders.

He concluded by saying that the Prime Minister has directed equal opportunities for all provinces and emphasized that no individual, regardless of influence, will be spared in accountability or reform efforts.