Pakistan Railways has generated Rs13.547 billion in revenue over the past five years through the lease of its commercial and agricultural land, as part of efforts to boost non-fare income and transform the department into a profitable entity.
According to an official from the Ministry of Railways, the department has leased around 14,042 acres of railway land for various purposes through open and competitive bidding under the Railway Property and Land Rules, 2023, approved by the federal cabinet.
The Real Estate Development and Marketing Company (REDAMCO), a subsidiary of the ministry, is leading initiatives to enhance non-fare revenue.
The official said Pakistan Railways has also intensified its anti-encroachment operations across the country to recover land illegally occupied by individuals, groups, and organizations. Under the directions of Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, divisional superintendents have been instructed to conduct retrieval operations with support from the Railway Police and district administrations.
In a recent operation in Lahore Division’s Mehmood Booti area, authorities reclaimed 15 acres of prime railway land valued at approximately Rs50 billion. The land had been illegally converted into a housing society that included seven factories, seven markets, and two petrol pumps, all of which were sealed during the operation.
The ministry said similar drives are being carried out nationwide to recover encroached railway property and ensure more efficient utilization of state assets.
