Pakistan Railways’ journey toward modernization and growth

The British colonial legacy of the Indian subcontinent undoubtedly left its mark with the establishment of a comprehensive railway system that spanned from Landi Kotal to Ras Kumari. This network revolutionized transportation, making it more affordable and accessible. When Pakistan emerged in 1947, it inherited a railway system exceeding 8,000 kilometers. However, this once-extensive network has seen significant contraction over the years. Today, Pakistan Railways is on a transformative journey, implementing bold measures to restore and modernize its services, significantly enhancing its role in the nation’s economic and industrial landscape.

At the heart of this revitalization is a commitment to innovative infrastructure. Pakistan Railways has initiated several ambitious projects aimed at upgrading railway tracks, bridges, and signaling systems. The flagship endeavor, Mainline-One (ML1), is a crucial component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. This extensive project involves phased improvements to the main railway line connecting Karachi to Multan, aiming to double the track capacity and facilitate train speeds of up to 160 km/h. Such upgrades promise to drastically reduce travel times between major urban centres.

Also read: Pakistan railways to restore Jaffar Express from Quetta to Peshawar

In addition to infrastructure improvements, Pakistan Railways is embracing digitization and automation. The launch of an online ticketing system has revolutionized the booking process, allowing passengers to reserve seats and check schedules from the comfort of their homes, thereby eliminating long queues at stations. This user-friendly platform also provides real-time updates on delays and cancellations, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Freight operations are another area seeing rapid advancement. Pakistan Railways is modernizing its logistics capabilities, enabling businesses to track shipments more efficiently. The freight sector has traditionally been a key revenue source, with services now expanding to cater to various industries, including textiles, agriculture, and construction. By establishing dedicated freight trains, the railway aims to decrease reliance on road transport, ultimately alleviating traffic congestion and reducing carbon emissions.

International collaborations are also on the rise, with Pakistan Railways forging partnerships to enhance its operational and technical capabilities. Alongside China, the railway is engaging with countries like Turkey and Iran to strengthen regional connectivity. A notable achievement is the revival of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train corridor, enhancing trade and transport links across the region.

Moreover, efforts are underway to make train stations more accessible, secure, and environmentally friendly. The installation of solar panels at various stations is a step toward reducing energy costs while promoting renewable energy sources.

The financial outlook for Pakistan Railways is promising. Last year, the department achieved a remarkable revenue of eighty-eight billion rupees, with an ambitious target of one trillion nine billion rupees set for the current fiscal year. As Pakistan Railways continues its journey of modernization and growth, it not only aims to restore its past glory but also positions itself as a pivotal contributor to the nation’s economic progress.