Railways told to boost revenue, fast track cargo expansion

Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Tuesday directed Pakistan Railways to intensify revenue generation efforts by improving services for the business community and ensuring punctual and efficient train operations.

Chairing a meeting at Pakistan Railways Headquarters, the minister reviewed the performance of the Railway Traffic and Commercial Department. He said that despite visible progress, substantial improvement was still required in both freight and passenger segments.

Abbasi instructed the Chief Executive Officer to personally monitor railway revenue, underlining the need for stronger financial discipline and better outcomes. He also ordered immediate action to address shortages of luggage and brake vans and directed officials to discontinue the use of the term “dummy coaches” for wagons. Any material deficiencies in coaches, he said, must be resolved promptly to avoid operational disruptions.

Welcoming traders’ growing confidence in the two cargo trains currently in operation, the minister said preparations should be completed soon for launching a third cargo train. He further directed officials to prepare a model plan comprising 50 wagons for automobile transportation to expand freight volumes.

The meeting was informed that operational officers would inspect refurbished coach rakes to ensure quality standards, while the Chief Commercial Manager has been tasked with traveling on trains to identify gaps in services firsthand.

Abbasi also directed all Divisional Superintendents to ensure that auctions in their respective divisions are conducted strictly through an open auction system to maintain transparency.