LAHORE, Nov 15 (APP):Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has said that the flood-damaged Faisalabad-Lahore railway section has been restored in 45 days through the dedicated efforts of Pakistan Railways employees, highlighting the government's commitment to improving railway infrastructure and services across the country. Addressing a ceremony on Sunday to mark the restoration of the section, the minister said national interests must always take precedence over political and personal …
National interests must prevail over political, personal considerations: Hanif Abbasi
LAHORE, Nov 15 (APP):Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has said that the flood-damaged Faisalabad-Lahore railway section has been restored in 45 days through the dedicated efforts of Pakistan Railways employees, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving railway infrastructure and services across the country.
Addressing a ceremony on Sunday to mark the restoration of the section, the minister said national interests must always take precedence over political and personal considerations, adding that Pakistan’s stability and security should never be compromised.
He said around 1,500 feet of railway track between Faisalabad and Lahore had been washed away by floods on July 27, 2026. Following the completion of necessary formalities, including the appointment of consultants, preparation of a feasibility report and arrangement of funds, restoration work formally began on September 23. Although the initial completion period was 60 days, the project was completed in just 45 days with the cooperation of a private company.
The minister paid tribute to railway workers, particularly labourers, describing them as the real heroes of the restoration project. He announced special cash rewards for all workers involved and appreciated the contributions of CEO Railways Muhammad Hafeezullah, AGM Infrastructure Hammad Mirza, Chief Engineer Irfan-ul-Haq, Divisional Superintendent Lahore Inamullah and M/s Habib Construction.
He said the restored section would facilitate the resumption of Shalimar Express, Karakoram Express, Badr Express, Ghouri Express and Ravi Express, in addition to Goods Train 503.
Abbasi said Pakistan Railways was pursuing a comprehensive revival plan focused on improving workshops, locomotives, passenger facilities, freight operations and railway infrastructure. The department was currently operating an average of nine trains daily, while a plan had been sought to increase the number to 14. A target had been set to operate 14 trains between January 10 and 20.
Regarding locomotive rehabilitation, he said 43 GEU-43 locomotives had been operating with only two or three traction motors instead of the required six, affecting their capacity to haul 3,400 tonnes. He announced that all 43 locomotives would be made fully operational with the required traction motors by December 15.
The minister said a comprehensive technical assessment of passenger coaches had been completed to identify and rectify defects, while similar inspections would now be carried out of rolling stock, particularly freight trains and their tracks.
Highlighting the revival of railway workshops, he said the CDL Workshop had remained closed for the past 15 years, while its wheel machine had been out of order since 2007-08. The workshop had previously manufactured 253 different items, but production had almost completely stopped.
He said the government had decided to resume local manufacturing of essential railway components to reduce dependence on imports. Production of safety brackets and other necessary parts had already started at the workshops.
The minister added that investigations were under way into poor maintenance of locomotives and wagons, shortages of essential spare parts and the deliberate closure of workshops. Some wagons had also been operated in temporary and substandard condition because essential components were missing, he said.
Abbasi said major railway track improvement projects were being pursued with the support of the Asian Development Bank and local banking institutions. The tendering process for upgrading the Rohri-Karachi railway track was under way, with agreements expected to be finalised in December or January.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formed a consortium of local banks to arrange financing for the 449-kilometre Rohri-Multan railway track and directed the banks to complete the necessary documentation and procedural requirements.
The minister announced that the historic 150-year-old Rohri Junction would be inaugurated on January 15 following its upgradation. The station would have modern escalators, CIP lounges and five-star-standard residential facilities for locomotive drivers and guards.
He said similar improvements had been made at Rawalpindi, Khanewal, Lahore and Kotri railway stations, while development projects at Taxila, Rawalpindi and other stations were under way or at the tendering stage.
Regarding railway crossing safety, Abbasi said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif had assured the provision of Rs3 billion the following week for safety measures. He said Rs9.7 billion had been approved for the overall project, with the first phase scheduled for completion by March 30.
He added that the provision of Rs5 billion during the current fiscal year and another Rs5 billion in the next fiscal year could significantly reduce accidents at railway crossings in Punjab. He also sought cooperation from the governments of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while coordination with Balochistan was continuing.
The minister said the Punjab government had also assured Rs5 billion for upgrading eight branch railway routes, where Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains were planned to operate.
Abbasi said Pakistan Railways was completing its digitalisation process with the support of the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), with December 31 set as the deadline. The system would provide real-time information about train movements, locations, speeds, derailments and accidents.
Clarifying the outsourcing policy, he said it did not involve transferring ownership or control of trains to the private sector. Pakistan Railways would retain control, while private companies were being engaged to improve train operations and passenger facilities.
He said cleaning, dining services, food quality and staff behaviour had improved on outsourced trains, adding that another 13 trains were planned to be outsourced by December 31.
The minister said measures were also being taken to improve railway schools and hospitals, including the quality of education and healthcare facilities, while safeguarding the interests of railway employees and their children.
He announced that hepatitis screening tests would be conducted for around 60,000 Pakistan Railways employees and 3,500 railway police personnel. Special arrangements would be made to provide free treatment to employees diagnosed with the disease.
He said residential facilities for locomotive pilots and guards were also being improved through the construction and upgradation of running rooms at Khanewal, Rawalpindi, Rohri, Lahore and Kotri.
Abbasi said Pakistan Railways was activating multiple sources of revenue, including freight operations, passenger services and better utilisation of its properties and land. He announced a target of selling scrap worth around Rs10 billion during the current year, for the first time in the department’s history.
Reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and theft, the minister said all railway workshops and yards would be equipped with modern digital monitoring systems and CCTV cameras by December 31. Strict legal action would be taken against those involved in stealing railway components, brake cylinders and other valuable machinery.
However, he announced a general amnesty for people possessing stolen railway materials, allowing them to return the items to railway stations or workshops, even under the cover of darkness, to benefit from the concession.
He said those involved in damaging or stealing national assets would be exposed, as these resources belonged to future generations.
The minister said all necessary resources and facilities had been provided to railway officers and that excuses regarding shortages would no longer be acceptable. He directed divisional superintendents and other officials to fulfil their responsibilities, adding that while he had no complaints against railway workers, whose efforts he appreciated, officers responsible for negligence leading to the deterioration of workshops, locomotive sheds and other departments would be held accountable.
Abbasi also paid tribute to the armed forces, martyrs and all those who had rendered sacrifices for the country’s defence, saying their services deserved recognition and respect.
He said Pakistan Railways connected Karachi with Torkham and various parts of the country, including Jacobabad, Sibi, Taftan and Quetta, playing an important role in the national economy, unity and inter-provincial connectivity. He stressed that unity, discipline, integrity and merit were essential for the country’s sustainable development and prosperity.
Senior railway officers, employees and a number of local residents were also present at the ceremony.
