Islamabad: Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Sunday announced a series of major projects aimed at modernizing Pakistan Railways, including the launch of a 400-kilometre track for the Reko Diq project and the restoration of the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) train service by December 31.
Addressing a press conference at the Railway Headquarters, the minister said the reform and modernization drive, focused on improved passenger services, freight efficiency, and regional connectivity, is being implemented under the guidance of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
He said that Pakistan Railways had already signed an agreement with Uzbekistan and was finalizing another with Kazakhstan to expand freight routes up to Chaman, facilitating trade with Central Asia and Europe.
Abbasi added that negotiations were underway with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a PKR 2 billion financing agreement to upgrade the 500-kilometre Rohri–Karachi track, with groundbreaking expected by July 2026. He said the upgradation of the Rohri–Peshawar section and Main Line-2 was also under consideration.
The minister said a total of 884 kilometres of railway tracks would be developed or upgraded under the plan, while 160 new locally manufactured wagons would be added to the system by March 2026. He said the expansion would also serve industrial sectors, including cement and automobiles, to increase freight revenue.
Abbasi highlighted that the Karachi Railway Station had been redeveloped into a larger, modern facility and that the upgraded rake of the Shalimar Express would be inaugurated by the Prime Minister on November 7. Other trains, including Awam Express, Rehman Baba Express, and Allama Iqbal Express, were also being upgraded with modern kitchens and dining facilities.
He said Cargo Express operations were projected to generate an additional PKR 3.5 billion annually and emphasized the need to end the long-standing practice of subsidizing freight through passenger revenue, calling it “against global norms.”
The minister further announced that 26 commercial plots in Badami Bagh would be auctioned, 48 warehouses outsourced, and 10 running rooms renovated by February 2026. Around PKR 800 million has been allocated for repairing staff quarters and upgrading Sukkur, Lodhran, and Rohri stations.
To enhance security and transparency, Abbasi said 180 CCTV cameras would be installed at Rawalpindi Station, the Vigilance Department had been reactivated, and 1,500 new Railway Police recruits would pass out on November 4.
He also paid tribute to railway personnel martyred in Balochistan, reaffirming that safety, service quality, and transparency remain top priorities for the ministry.
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