ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a comprehensive strategic roadmap aimed at major reforms in Pakistan Railways to modernise operations, improve efficiency, and strengthen financial sustainability.
The approval came during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister on railway reforms, where officials presented detailed plans and targets for restructuring the national rail system.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan Railways has strong potential to become a safe, affordable, and efficient transport system for both passengers and freight services. He stressed that freight operations should be prioritised, calling them the backbone of the railway system.
He directed authorities to engage internationally recognised experts and consultants to ensure effective implementation of the reform roadmap. The prime minister also emphasised increasing private sector participation through public-private partnerships (PPP) to enhance investment and operational efficiency.
According to the briefing, the strategic roadmap includes key targets such as increasing market share in both passenger and freight segments, improving service quality, expanding network capacity, and achieving financial stability.
The reform plan also focuses on strengthening governance, introducing digital systems, expanding railway lines, and enhancing regional connectivity. Officials said the initiative aims to transform Pakistan Railways into a modern and commercially viable institution.
Shehbaz Sharif noted that improved railway operations would help reduce traffic pressure on roads, lower carbon emissions, and promote environmentally friendly transport solutions.
He further said that development of the railway sector would boost regional trade and economic activity. Revenue generated from private investment in railway land and assets would be reinvested into system improvements.
The roadmap also includes upgrades to major railway lines such as ML-1, ML-2, and ML-3, along with improvements in passenger facilities, modern coaches, and station infrastructure. Rightsizing measures and efficiency reforms are also part of the plan.
Senior ministers including Ahsan Iqbal, Ahsan Iqbal (Planning Minister), Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, and officials from relevant departments attended the meeting.