Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, has set a bold deadline: within just 45 days, Faisalabad Railway Station will be brought up to “international standards.” The move is part of a sweeping modernisation programme aimed at revamping the country’s ageing rail network, improving passenger experience, and tapping into new revenue streams.
Abbasi made the announcement during a weekend inspection of the station, outlining a packed agenda that includes digitalisation, infrastructure upgrades, and the outsourcing of multiple services.
From Paper Tickets to Wi-Fi: A Push for Digital Railways
Pakistan Railways has already rolled out a fully automated ticketing system and live train tracking across the network. ATMs have been installed at major stations, while a free Wi-Fi programme—launched with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz—is being expanded from Lahore to 40 stations, including Faisalabad, Karachi, and Hyderabad.
Private Sector to Play Bigger Role
In a bid to improve efficiency and service quality, Abbasi said contracts to outsource nine to eleven passenger and freight trains, rest houses, hospitals, and schools will be awarded by September 30. Even “special saloons” once reserved for senior government officials are now available for public hire at affordable rates.
Cleaner Stations, Safer Food
Station hygiene is also getting attention. Waste management companies are now handling cleanliness at key locations, including stations in Rawalpindi, Multan, and Lahore, with similar deals planned for more cities. Provincial food authorities have been given direct access to monitor vendors, ensuring safer meals for travellers.
Trains, Faster Journeys
Abbasi confirmed that new Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains—each able to carry 650 passengers—will soon run on routes such as Lahore–Faisalabad and Lahore–Kasur.
The Punjab government is also pumping Rs50 billion into upgrades for eight rail routes, while a separate Rs250 billion project will lay a new double track with modern signalling between Lahore and Rawalpindi. This could slash the travel time by up to 2.5 hours.
Mega Projects Across Provinces
Other initiatives include:
- Karachi: Modernised station opening September 10.
- Sindh: Rohri station to be redeveloped on the Lahore model.
- Balochistan: 50km stretch from Sheikh Zayed to Kuchlak being upgraded.
- Long-Term: Feasibility studies for Sibi–Rohri and Rohri–Karachi lines, with work to start by mid-2026.
The Thar Coal track—set for completion by April—could cut power generation costs by more than two-thirds. The Reko Diq railway link is targeted for 2028.
Looking Beyond Borders
Pakistan is also exploring an $10 billion, 850km line from Kohat to Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan, with a further 75km into Uzbekistan. A new Track Access Fee policy will allow private operators to run trains on Pakistan Railways’ tracks, potentially increasing competition and lowering freight rates.
Local Backing for Local Projects
Faisalabad’s station upgrade will be supported by local industrialists and traders, while Gujranwala’s revamp will be financed by politician Aleem Khan. Abbasi said the transformation will directly benefit up to 10,000 passengers each day, cementing Faisalabad’s position as a key industrial hub.
