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LAHORE, Jul 01 (APP): Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has said that, on the special directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, comprehensive efforts are underway to fully digitalise Pakistan Railways and enhance passenger convenience through modern technology and advanced infrastructure.
He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony held at the Pakistan Railways Headquarters, here on Tuesday, where a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Pakistan Railways and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) to advance the digital transformation of the national rail system. The MoU was signed by Director IT Syed Ali Raza on behalf of Pakistan Railways, while Director Development and Procurement Ata-ur-Rehman represented the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB).
The Railways Minister said that a major initiative is the installation of free Wi-Fi services at 40 major railway stations, a move aimed at improving the travel experience for passengers and bridging the digital divide. He termed the facility a “gift for the public” and noted that the plan reflects the government’s vision for a smart and inclusive railway network.
Hanif Abbasi further revealed that a real-time train tracking system is being upgraded across the country, enabling passengers to monitor train movements similar to how flights are tracked, thereby ensuring transparency and improved scheduling.
As part of the digitalisation drive, ATM machines will be installed at all railway stations, while three major railway stations will be upgraded to international standards to cater to the growing needs of passengers and promote a modern image of Pakistan Railways, he added.
The Minister praised the PITB for its proactive role, stating, “I am truly impressed by the performance of the Punjab Information Technology Board. Under the leadership of the Chief Minister Punjab, PITB is moving rapidly on the path of development.” He mentioned that the government has allocated Rs. 350 billion for Pakistan Railways’ mega development projects, marking a significant step forward in the modernization of the country’s rail infrastructure.