Pakistan Railways has initiated a broad infrastructure and revenue transformation programme combining safety modernization projects worth nearly Rs 35 billion with substantial non-fare earnings of Rs 13.547 billion generated through land leases over the past five financial years.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the department is executing extensive track safety works, bridge rehabilitation, and inspection system modernization to enhance the safety and reliability of train operations nationwide.
The large-scale safety projects cover critical sections of the network, including Rohri–Khanpur, Tando Adam–Rohri, Kiamari–Hyderabad, Khanewal–Shandara, Rohri–Sibi, and Sher Shah–Kundian, at a total estimated cost of Rs 31,829.9 million. These works aim to improve track conditions, sustain operational reliability, and ensure smoother and safer train movement through Pakistan’s major railway corridors.
In addition, track rehabilitation between Kotri, Akhondabad, and Dadu is underway with an allocation of Rs 2,321 million, reflecting the government’s commitment to restore and strengthen rail infrastructure sections affected by wear and tear.
Pakistan Railways is also reinforcing bridge infrastructure under a Rs 980 million project designed to strengthen weak bridges and ensure long-term structural safety.
On the technology front, the department is developing an E-Inspection Management System in collaboration with the Punjab IT Board, aimed at digitizing and streamlining the inspection process. This system will enable real-time monitoring, identify safety gaps, and support prompt remedial action, creating a more technology-driven and transparent operational framework.
As part of its safety plan, inspections of level crossings are also being carried out nationwide. Of the 536 vulnerable unmanned level crossings identified, 168 have already been upgraded to enhance safety and prevent accidents, while work continues on the remaining locations to ensure full compliance with safety standards.
Parallel to its infrastructure drive, Pakistan Railways has intensified efforts to increase non-fare revenue through strategic land utilization.
An official from the Ministry of Railways told APP that the department has leased approximately 14,042 acres of commercial and agricultural land through competitive bidding, generating Rs 13.547 billion in revenue over the past five years.
The leasing operations are conducted under the Railway Property and Land Rules, 2023, approved by the Federal Cabinet, and managed by the Real Estate Development and Marketing Company (REDAMCO), a subsidiary of the Ministry of Railways tasked with maximizing real estate income.
At the same time, Pakistan Railways has intensified anti-encroachment operations across the network to reclaim valuable land from illegal occupants. Acting on the directives of Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, a joint procedural order was issued to all divisional superintendents for the retrieval of encroached land, with support from the Railway Police and district administrations of provincial governments.
In a recent high-profile operation in the Lahore Division, authorities successfully cleared 15 acres of prime land in the Mehmood Booti area, valued at Rs 50 billion. The reclaimed site had been illegally converted into a housing society comprising seven factories, seven markets, and two petrol pumps, all of which were sealed during the operation.
“Pakistan Railway authorities have sealed the housing society, commercial markets, and petrol pumps during the operation,” the official confirmed, adding that similar actions are ongoing across the country to protect state assets.
