Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed Pakistan Railways to upgrade its freight services.
He was chairing a meeting of Pakistan Railways Steering Committee in Islamabad today.
The Prime Minister said the use of railways for the transportation of goods has become essential for fuel conservation in view of the current regional situation.
He further emphasized the need for sustainable reconstruction of railway infrastructure across the country to support economic and industrial growth.
Shehbaz Sharif said the railway system serves as the backbone of the country’s economy and communications network. He added that modernizing the railway system to enhance regional trade and connectivity is a key component of national policy.
The meeting was briefed on the ongoing reforms in Pakistan Railways. It was informed that freight services are expected to grow by 21 percent this year.
It was updated that work is underway on the upgradation of the Karachi-Rohri section under the first phase of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project, with the support of the Asian Development Bank. Engineering design, environmental field surveys, and land acquisition processes are currently in progress.
The meeting was further informed that 57 percent of the work on the Thar rail connectivity project has been completed. The upgradation of the Rohri-Nokundi section of Main Line-3 is described as a vital project for the transportation of minerals from Balochistan. A design consultant has already been engaged, and the PC-1 has been prepared.
It was also apprised that the digitization process of Pakistan Railways is underway. Key initiatives include Raabta application, cashless ticketing and the provision of free Wi-Fi at railway stations.
The meeting was further informed that the introduction of a freight management system, digital weighing bridges, and rolling stock tracking systems has improved transparency and efficiency in freight operations.
