PM Shehbaz Approves Strategic Roadmap for Comprehensive Pakistan Railways Reforms

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a strategic roadmap aimed at implementing comprehensive reforms in Pakistan Railways, with a focus on improving passenger services, expanding freight operations, and enhancing the organization’s financial sustainability.

The approval was given during a meeting chaired by the prime minister to review the reform agenda for Pakistan Railways.

Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan Railways possesses significant potential to become a safe, affordable, and efficient mode of transportation for both passengers and freight.

He emphasized that freight services are the backbone of the railway system and directed authorities to prioritize the development of the cargo transport sector.

The prime minister also instructed officials to engage internationally renowned experts to assist in implementing the railway reform roadmap and achieving its objectives.

Highlighting the importance of private-sector participation, he directed that investment in Pakistan Railways be promoted through public-private partnership (PPP) models.

Shehbaz Sharif noted that an improved railway system would help reduce traffic congestion on roads, lower carbon emissions, and promote environmentally friendly transportation. He added that the development of Pakistan Railways would strengthen regional connectivity and stimulate economic activity.

The prime minister further directed that revenue generated from private-sector investment on railway-owned land should be utilized to improve the rail network and related services.

During the meeting, officials presented a detailed briefing on the strategic roadmap and its targets. The plan includes increasing Pakistan Railways’ market share in both passenger and freight transport sectors.

According to the briefing, key pillars of the reform agenda include improving service quality, expanding network capacity, strengthening financial stability, enhancing governance, and accelerating digitization.

The roadmap also covers the expansion of railway lines, promotion of regional connectivity, greater private-sector participation through PPP arrangements, and measures aimed at achieving long-term financial sustainability.

Officials informed the meeting that the reform plan includes the introduction of modern coaches, improved passenger facilities at trains and stations, upgrades to major railway tracks including ML-1, ML-2, and ML-3, as well as right-sizing initiatives to improve operational efficiency.