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Express Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt unveils sweeping rail reforms
The government on Sunday outlined major reforms for Pakistan Railways, including an imminent agreement on the RohriKarachi section, a Rs50 billion allocation to upgrade the LahoreRawalpindi track, reducing travel time to two hours and the digitisation of the railway system. The development came as Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi addressed the "Meet the Press" event at the Lahore Press Club. Speaking on the occasion, the minister announced "sweeping reforms" to modernise the sector, highlighting improvements such as outsourcing cleaning services at seven stations across Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore, enhancing food quality, and installing free Wi-Fi at Lahore Railway Station. He highlighted key infrastructure upgrades, including a soon-to-be-finalised agreement for the RohriKarachi railway section and a Rs50 billion allocation by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to upgrade the Lahore-Rawalpindi track, reducing travel time to two hours. Escalators and information desks have been introduced at stations, and a 105-kilometer railway track for coal transport is set to be completed by April 30, reducing electricity costs from Rs15 to Rs4.5 per unit. Additionally, a business train with Wi-Fi-equipped coaches and high-quality dining will be inaugurated on July 29 by PM Shehbaz Sharif. The minister announced plans to digitise the railway system, link sixteen banks to the railways app, and install ATMs at 348 stations. To address inefficiencies, three railway companies have been shut down, and long-leave employees would be recalled. "Pakistan Railways is the pride of Pakistan," Abbasi declared, promising to make it profitable if the federal government covers pensions and salaries. He stressed that the railways issues stem not from labourers but from unnamed individuals who looted the system. He emphasised the need for investment in railways to boost the national economy, warning that major reforms are imminent and bureaucratic inefficiencies will not be tolerated. Addressing employment concerns, Abbasi revealed a compassionate approach to contract workers. "We could dismiss contract employees with a one-month salary, but instead, we are considering reassigning railway sanitation staff to their local areas," he shared, signaling a commitment to employee welfare. The "Suthra Punjab" initiative will be extended to Railway colonies, aiming to enhance living conditions for staff and their families. Abbasi also claimed unprecedented improvements in cleanliness across the railway system, stating, "The level of cleanliness we have now achieved in Railways has never been seen before." Cracking down on illegal activities, Abbasi issued a stern warning against ticketless travel and related offenses. "Smuggling and theft used to plague Railways. Now, anyone traveling without a ticket or aiding such activities will face imprisonment," he cautioned. To bolster security, Pakistan Railways has recruited 500 new personnel for the Railway Police and plans to acquire scanners and metal detectors using the department's own budget.
Business Recorder
12-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Railway uplift: Punjab willing to invest Rs350bn
ISLAMABAD: The government of Punjab has expressed willingness to invest Rs350 billion for upgradation and dualisation of the railway tracks in the province, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi said. Briefing the meeting of National Assembly Standing Committee on Pakistan Railways (PR) held here on Friday under the chairmanship of Rai Hassan Nawaz Khan, Abbasi informed the committee that the chief minister of the Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif had shown interest in the upgradation and dualisation of the railway tracks in the province. The committee also asked about the reasons for the winding-up of the Railway Construction Company (RAILCOP), Pakistan Railway Advisory and Consultancy Services (PRACS), and Pakistan Railway Freight and Transportation Company (PRFTC). Minister unveils plan aimed at modernising Railways Responding to the queries, the Hanif Abbasi informed the committee that the PR had adopted right-sizing policy in-line with the federal government initiatives, and the services of these state-owned enterprises (SOE) were not required, as the same services were being performed by PR itself. So, the ministry decided to wind up these enterprises. The committee recommended utilising the experienced employees of these enterprises in Pakistan Railways. The committee members expressed serious concerns regarding the presence of about 47 officers of Pakistan Railways staying abroad and receiving pay and all the incentives from Pakistan Railways. The Minister for Railways apprised the committee that the cases of all those officers were being examined. The committee recommended presenting the detailed report about that matter in the next meeting. The committee also recommended that the Pakistan Railways might repair/maintain the Railway Bridge (Red Bridge), particularly the pathway for the pedestrians, on Kabul River, Nowshera Kalan in District Nowshera. The committee constituted a Sub-Committee to probe the enquiry reports regarding the audio leak involving the currently appointed Divisional Superintendent, Pakistan Railway, Karachi and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pakistan Railways, under the Convenership of Shafqat Abbas, MNA and its other members would be Ibrar Ahmad, Sadiq Ali Memon and Syed Waseem Hussain, MNAs. The Sub-Committee would submit its report to the main Committee within 30 days. The Commissioner, Dera Ghazi Khan Division, presented the report regarding the land of Mouza Sonaki, Tehsil and District Muzaffargarh to the committee which was not agreed upon by the committee. The committee decided to call the Senior Member, Board of Revenue, Punjab (SMBR) and the Commissioner, Dera Ghazi Khan Division, Dera Ghazi Khan, to resolve the issue of the restoration of the title of land of Mouza Sonaki, Tehsil and District Muzaffargarh, to Pakistan Railways. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Minister concerned over rising number of derailments
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Friday, expressed concern over the rising number of derailments and called for a detailed analysis and proactive measures to prevent future occurrences. Abbasi said this here on Friday, while chairing a high-level meeting on the occasion of his first 100 days in office which he celebrated with releasing of a special documentary on Pakistan Railways, highlighting key achievements and progress during his tenure. The meeting attended by senior PR officials focused on train safety, administrative performance and ongoing corruption investigations within Pakistan Railways. On the occasion a comprehensive briefings on recent train accidents and operational issues, with particular attention to incidents reported in Sukkur, Multan, and Peshawar during June 2025 was presented. The documentary showcases various initiatives and improvements undertaken by the ministry under Hanif Abbasi's leadership, reflecting efforts aimed at reforming and revitalising the railway sector. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said, 'This is just the beginning of the journey.' He reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Pakistan Railways into a modern, efficient, and developed institution. 'We are determined to make Railways a progressive and modern organisation,' he stated, adding that in the remaining three and a half years of the government's tenure, 'We will work with full energy and dedication to ensure the growth and development of the railway network.' Hanif Abbasi directed that clear recommendations and an action plan be formulated and submitted to the relevant authorities. He also sought a report on the delay of the Awam Express departing from Karachi and ordered an immediate inquiry into the recent foot over bridge incident in Khanewal. Regarding the closure of the Shahinabad Quarry, the minister instructed officials to identify those responsible and take appropriate action. The meeting also reviewed the Railway Constructions Pakistan Limited investigation, where the Inspector General of Pakistan Railways Police reported that the fact-finding inquiry was nearing completion. The inquiry recommends criminal proceedings against implicated officials and proposes the case be handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further investigation. Reaffirming the ministry's zero-tolerance stance on corruption, Minister Abbasi said that financial, administrative and structural reforms remain a top priority. He also said that strict disciplinary action against non-performing staff, while assuring that employees who demonstrate exceptional performance will be recognised through rewards and commendation certificates. Hanif Abbasi called on all officers and personnel to perform their duties with sincerity, transparency and accountability, emphasising the government's commitment to restoring public confidence in the national rail system. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
27-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Minister vows to push for Karachi-Rohri track funding
The Karachi-Rohri section will be the most vital segment of the of the Mainline (ML)-1 project in terms of freight connectivity with Central Asia and Russia, as well as providing transportation link to the Thar coal and Reko Diq mines, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said on Friday. Talking to the reporters outside the Parliament House, the minister said that a major freight route from Lahore to Russia via Rohri, Zahedan and then in Tajikistan had been prepared, but its launch was delayed because of the 12-day between Iran and Israel. Abbasi highlighted termed the ML-1 segment between Karachi and Rohri the most challenging portion. "If needed, I will personally request the prime minister and the chief minister of Sindh to allocate funds to ensure its completion," he said. "This section is vital for the success of future projects like Thar coal transportation, Reko Diq project, freight connectivity with Central Asia and Russia, and realisation of the greater Asian rail linkage dream," he said, adding that the ML-2 and ML-3 lines were equally important for Pakistan's economic uplift. The minister revealed that a major international freight initiative - a rail route from Lahore to Zahedan via Rohri, extending to Tajikistan and Russia - had been prepared. "Had it not been for the war, this international cargo train would have rolled out on June 22," he noted. He stated that $5 million had been allocated in the budget to enhance regional railway connectivity with Uzbekistan. "The country's development is directly linked with the modernisation of the railway system," Abbasi stated, reaffirming his resolve to deliver on the Prime Minister Shehbaz's vision. To a question, he said that he would visit Karachi on July 6 and meet with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to discuss the province's demands for branch lines. "We aim to build the same kind of coordination with Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa [K-P] as we have with Punjab and Balochistan," he said. On the occasion, the minister shared updates on the railways development projects in Balochistan, stating that stations in Sibi, and Machh were being upgraded, and many such projects had already been implemented or were in progress. Abbasi highlighted major improvements in the facilities being provided to the passengers. "People who buy tickets worth Rs12,000 to Rs14,000 deserve better travel conditions," he said. "With the cooperation of the Punjab government, free Wi-Fi facility is being provided to 40 stations," he said. "We are going to install digital Point-of-Sale (POS) systems and ATMs at 348 stations across the country. "These digital initiatives will not only boost revenue but also enhance passenger facilitation," the minister added. "Previously, passengers would wait in queues for hours. They were asked to bring cash. Now, with digital payment machines and ATMs, we're eliminating these hurdles," the minister said. "The railways is being moved towards digitisation." He said a comprehensive plan for the recovery and optimal utilisation of the railways' vast land assets was being prepared, which would be presented to the prime minister. He noted that many encroachments had already been removed. Speaking about the other segments of the railway track, the minister said that the Punjab chief minister had allocated over Rs350 billion for upgrading the Lahore-Rawalpindi section and different other branches. The Balochistan government has also allocated Rs3 billion for Saryab and Kuchlak area. He also highlighted infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of three international-standard railway stations and modernisation of Quetta station. "Quetta's station has been upgraded, and a Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train will soon begin operations within the city," he said.
Express Tribune
25-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PR to assemble 200 Chinese trains
Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi stated on Tuesday that 200 advanced Chinese trains are currently being manufactured at the Railway Carriage Factory under a technology transfer agreement. He made these remarks while speaking at the "Meet the Press" event at the National Press Club in the federal capital. Abbasi called the development of Pakistan Railways (PR) key to the country's progress, highlighting the major initiatives taken during his first 100 days in office that have resulted in meaningful improvements. He said the uplift of PR is also vital for the success of strategic projects such as Thar Coal, Reko Diq, and regional connectivity. "Without the upgradation of ML-1, ML-2, and ML-3, the development of railways cannot be envisioned," he stated. Abbasi maintained that 200 advanced Chinese trains are currently being manufactured at the Railway Carriage Factory through a technology transfer agreement. On the occasion, he noted that the Punjab government had allocated billions in the 2025-26 budget, including Rs250 billion for three years for the renewal of the Lahore-Rawalpindi track — expected to reduce travel time between the two cities to two hours and benefit over 30 million people. Additionally, Rs50 billion was earmarked for the development of eight railway stations, and Rs9 billion allocated for the upgradation of level crossings across Punjab to help reduce accidents. The minister shared that the Balochistan government has allocated Rs3 billion, with a commitment to increase the amount, for upgrading existing stations and establishing new ones. He added that development initiatives are also being planned in Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Highlighting passenger amenities, Abbasi said that steps have been taken to improve the overall passenger experience - including the establishment of information desks, sanitation facilities, upgraded food outlets at stations, a modern helpline system, and other services.
