Pakistan railways to spend over rs31bn on track rehabilitation to tackle delays and safety risks

Pakistan Railways has approved an investment exceeding Rs31 billion for six major development schemes to rehabilitate and upgrade critical sections of the national rail network, as part of efforts to address deep-rooted infrastructure weaknesses.

According to official documents, the projects are being implemented under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and are aimed at improving track safety, raising operational efficiency and restoring reliable passenger and freight services across the country.

Rail operations have been severely affected by worn-out tracks, forcing the imposition of extensive engineering restrictions to prevent derailments. As a result, trains that are designed to operate at speeds of up to 110 kilometres per hour are often limited to between 55 and 78 kilometres per hour. Railway officials warn that exceeding 100 kilometres per hour on many sections could trigger derailments or other serious accidents.

The impact on passengers has been significant. Delays of seven to nine hours have become increasingly common, with some services cancelled altogether due to track conditions. In many cases, passengers are shifted to alternate trains after spending several additional hours waiting at stations.

The Karachi–Sukkur corridor remains one of the most affected stretches of the network. More than 100 engineering restrictions are currently enforced on this section, capping average speeds for both passenger and freight trains at around 50 to 55 kilometres per hour, despite locomotives and rolling stock being fully functional.

Other key routes, including sections serving Multan, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar, allow marginally higher speeds of 78 to 80 kilometres per hour. Even on these stretches, drivers are required to apply brakes immediately if trains briefly reach 90 to 100 kilometres per hour due to safety constraints.

Project-wise, track safety works on the Rohri–Khanpur section in Sukkur Division have been estimated at Rs4.87 billion, while rehabilitation of the Tando Adam–Rohri section will cost around Rs4.83 billion. Essential safety upgrades on the Keamari–Hyderabad section in Karachi Division carry an estimated price tag of Rs5.4 billion.

Similarly, track safety works on the Khanewal–Shahdara section via Shorkot, Faisalabad and Qila Sheikhupura, covering Multan and Lahore divisions, are projected to cost Rs6.3 billion. The Sher Shah–Kundian section in Multan Division will require an estimated Rs4.9 billion, while rehabilitation of the Rohri–Sibi section in Sukkur Division is expected to cost Rs5.49 billion.

Railway authorities say the completion of these projects will ease speed restrictions, reduce derailment risks and significantly cut delays, helping restore passenger confidence and improve freight movement across the network.