PM approves railways reform roadmap, prioritises freight and network modernisation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a comprehensive reform roadmap for Pakistan Railways, directing authorities to accelerate modernisation efforts aimed at improving service quality, expanding capacity and strengthening the institution's financial sustainability.

The approval was granted during a high-level meeting in Islamabad, where officials presented a detailed strategy outlining long-term targets for the passenger and freight segments of the railway network.

The roadmap identifies freight transportation as a key priority, with the prime minister describing the sector as the backbone of the railway system and critical to its future growth.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, the reform agenda focuses on improving governance, expanding rail infrastructure, increasing network capacity, advancing digitisation and enhancing regional connectivity. The plan also seeks to attract greater private sector participation through public-private partnership arrangements.

The strategy includes the induction of modern passenger coaches, improved facilities at railway stations and onboard trains, upgrades to major rail corridors including ML-1, ML-2 and ML-3, and organisational right-sizing measures aimed at improving efficiency.

Shehbaz directed officials to engage internationally recognised experts and consultants to support the implementation of the reform programme and ensure the adoption of global best practices.

He also stressed the need to encourage private investment in the railway sector, saying revenues generated from the commercial use of railway land should be reinvested to improve infrastructure and services.

The prime minister said a modern and efficient railway network would help reduce pressure on the road transport system, lower carbon emissions and promote environmentally sustainable transportation.

He further noted that the development of Pakistan Railways would strengthen regional connectivity and support broader economic activity across the country.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Khan Cheema and Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior government officials.