The Punjab government has allocated Rs250 billion over the next three years for the Rawalpindi-Lahore fast train project aimed at reducing the travel time between the two cities to two hours. Speaking at a meet the press programme at the National Press Club, Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi stated, “Under this project, modern signaling and tracks will be laid. An additional Rs100 billion has also been set aside for the improvement of branch lines in other cities.”
Under the anti-encroachment campaign, more than 170 acres of railway land worth about Rs10 billion had been reclaimed by adopting the model announced by the Chief Minister of Punjab. Abbasi highlighted that in the last 77 years, no province has invested in the railways, but under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, projects worth Rs350 billion have been initiated.
He emphasized the need for modernization, stating that without upgrading railway tracks, coaches, braking systems, and ML 1, 2, and 3, the dream of development remains unfulfilled. Due to the special attention of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, significant progress is expected soon in the Pakistan Railways sector.
Abbasi also drew a comparison with India, noting that India has allocated Rs7 trillion for railways and Rs3 trillion for roads in its development budget. “We also have to adopt the same model so that the pace of national development can be increased,” he said. He added that Pakistan recently overcame a much larger adversary, crediting the nation and the Pakistan Army for their collective efforts.
The minister announced plans to launch a suburban rail service in Punjab on eight routes: Shahdara-Narowal, Narowal-Sialkot, Lalamusa-Malikwal-Sargodha, Faisalabad-Chak Jhumra-Shahinabad, Shorkot-Jhang-Sargodha, Sheikhurpura-Jharanwala-Shorkot, Raiwind-Kasur-Pakpattan-Lodhran, and Kot Addu-DG Khan-Kashmor. Additionally, the Punjab government has allocated Rs9 billion for level crossings, and a green belt is being developed from Shahdara to Kot Lakhpat.
Efforts are underway to improve railway infrastructure, including upgrading major stations and simplifying ticket booking through mobile apps. The Khushhal Khan Khattak Express has been restored, and steps are being taken to enhance freight train revenue. Abbasi mentioned that six hospitals and 14 schools and colleges under the railways, along with golf and country clubs, rest houses, and sleeper factories, are being outsourced.
To improve passenger experience, train hostesses have been introduced, and the quality of food and drinks at railway stations has been upgraded. Solar panels are being installed at 355 stations, with work completed at 155. Elevators and escalators will be installed at three major stations in Punjab, including Shahdara and Kot Lakhpat, with access restricted to ticketholders only.
In Balochistan, plans are in place to upgrade the railway line from Sariab to Kuchlak and introduce a shuttle service. A railway ground is being handed over to the Balochistan government for the construction of an international stadium. For Sindh, consultations are ongoing with the provincial government to restore branch lines.
Abbasi also shared plans to modernize sports complexes in Rawalpindi and Lahore, with railway teams set to play on football grounds in Balochistan. A proposal to rehabilitate the railway cricket ground in Lahore is under consideration. He reiterated that there will be no leniency regarding train punctuality, and continuous efforts are being made to enhance the overall railway system.
