Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi unveils digital ticketing, freight expansion, and infrastructure upgrades to revive Pakistan Railways.
Islamabad: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi announced on Sunday that 11 passenger trains will be outsourced as part of Pakistan Railways’ wider modernization agenda aimed at improving efficiency, services, and revenue.
Speaking to journalists, Abbasi said the state-run enterprise, long criticized for stagnation, is now entering a phase of transformation. Ticketing has already been digitized, allowing passengers to book through 16 banks, Easypaisa, and Ufone Bank. To tackle fare evasion, ticket checkers will soon be equipped with handheld devices, a move expected to save nearly Rs1 billion annually.
The ministry has also shifted to an e-office system to streamline internal operations. Freight operations, Abbasi emphasized, will be prioritized to generate additional revenue that will be reinvested into passenger facilities.
On the infrastructure front, work is progressing on the 480-kilometer Rohri–Karachi track upgrade, with support anticipated from the Asian Development Bank. Further projects are also being coordinated with provincial governments in Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan.
Abbasi reiterated that these reforms are intended to restore public confidence in Pakistan Railways while aligning the sector with modern, sustainable practices.