Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has announced a $10 billion Kohat–Mazar-e-Sharif railway project that will extend 850 kilometers, with a 75-kilometer link to Uzbekistan.
Speaking to media at Faisalabad Railway Station, Abbasi said the project will boost trade, improve connectivity, and modernize Pakistan Railways. “We are running short- and long-term projects to improve operations and provide world-class facilities,” he stated.
Digital Transformation to Support the Kohat–Mazar-e-Sharif Railway Project
Pakistan Railways has automated its ticketing system, launched real-time train tracking, and installed ATMs at major stations. As part of the Kohat–Mazar-e-Sharif railway project, Wi-Fi will roll out to 40 stations, starting from Lahore and extending to Faisalabad, Karachi, Hyderabad, and other key cities (Maryam Nawaz’s Official Page).
Outsourcing to Improve Services
By September 30, the ministry will outsource passenger trains, freight services, rest houses, special saloons, hospitals, schools, and other facilities. The goal is to improve quality and increase revenue. Special saloons, once reserved for officials, are now available for public rent at competitive rates.
Cleanliness and Food Quality Measures
Solid waste management companies now operate at stations in Rawalpindi, Khanewal, Multan, Raiwind, Okara, and Lahore. Contracts for more cities are in progress. Food authorities have direct access to stations to monitor vendors and ensure quality.
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Modern Trains and Upgraded Routes
The ministry will launch Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains with 650-passenger capacity, expandable if needed. Routes will include Lahore–Faisalabad, Lahore–Narowal, and Lahore–Kasur.
The Punjab government has allocated Rs. 50 billion to upgrade eight key routes, including Lahore–Faisalabad and Lahore–Kot Addu. An additional Rs. 250 billion will fund a double track and modern signaling between Lahore and Rawalpindi, cutting travel time to 2–2.5 hours.
Urban Rail Development
Work has started on a linear park from Shahdara to Raiwind, costing Rs. 2.35 billion. Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Taxila stations are undergoing upgrades. The Sheikh Zayed–Kuchlak section in Balochistan is also being modernized.
The Sindh government and the ministry will upgrade Rohri Railway Station using the Lahore model. A new modern Karachi station will open on September 10.
Freight and Strategic Rail Links
Feasibility studies for the 250-kilometer Sibi–Rohri and 480-kilometer Rohri–Karachi sections will finish within months. Construction is expected to begin by June next year.
The Thar Coal track should be ready by April next year, lowering electricity generation costs from Rs. 15 to Rs. 4 per unit. The Reko Diq railway link will be completed by 2028 to improve mineral transport.
Opening Rail to the Private Sector
Under the new Track Access Fee policy, private operators can run their own wagons and trains. This will encourage competition and improve affordability.
Public–Private Partnerships in Station Upgrades
Faisalabad Railway Station will undergo a complete transformation within 45 days, supported by local industrialists and traders. Aleem Khan will personally fund the upgrade of Gujranwala Station.
Abbasi said Lahore Railway Station’s rapid modernization will serve as a model for the rest of the country. The Faisalabad upgrade will directly benefit 8,000–10,000 daily passengers and strengthen the city’s position as an industrial and commercial hub.
