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ISLAMABAD, Jan 1 (APP):Pakistan Railways has not closed any railway track in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) or Balochistan during the past two years, with all tracks in both provinces remaining fully operational.
“Despite severe financial constraints, the railways continue to ensure safe operations, even as nearly 95 percent of its expenditure is consumed by pay, pensions, fuel and utilities, leaving only five percent for maintenance of aging infrastructure and rolling stock,” an official in the Ministry told APP.
The officials said the limited maintenance budget is being used strictly for essential safety-related works. To bridge funding gaps, Pakistan Railways has mobilized alternative financing sources, particularly in KPK and Balochistan.
Under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), the Rohri–Sibi railway track is being upgraded at a cost of Rs5.49 billion, while an additional $390 million will be spent on upgrading the Rohri–Spezand and Spezand–Nokundi sections in Balochistan, he added.
Moreover, the official said a 33-kilometre stretch from Sariab to Kuchlak is being upgraded through Balochistan’s provincial PSDP.
He said that several stations have also been upgraded. In KPK, Attock Khurd and the Washing Line at Peshawar Cantonment Station have been improved. In Balochistan, stations at Sariab, Quetta, Sheikh Manda, Baleli and Kuchlak are proposed for upgradation under the provincial PSDP.
The official said that infrastructure safety has been strengthened through the rehabilitation of weak bridges, with four bridges reinforced in KPK and 21 in Balochistan.
On passenger services, he said that Pakistan Railways has not discontinued any train in KPK or Balochistan during the last two years. In KPK, major trains included Khyber Mail, Rehman Baba Express, Awam Express which is planned for upgradation and Khushal Khan Khattak Express.
In Balochistan, Bolan Mail continues to operate between Quetta and Karachi, while Jaffar Express links Quetta with Punjab and KP. These services provide affordable long-distance travel for daily commuters, students, labourers and small farmers.
The official said the freight and parcel services have also been expanded. A modern dry port has been established at Azakhel in the Peshawar division to facilitate bulk transportation.
He said the brake and luggage vans attached to major passenger trains enable small traders and farmers to transport produce economically. Regular freight services from Balochistan are supporting the movement of minerals, livestock feed and agricultural products to Karachi and other up-country markets.
The officials said continuous improvements in digital ticketing, complaint redressal systems, station facilities and onboard services are enhancing passenger comfort and safety across the network.
Currently, he said four mail and express trains operate from Peshawar, while two mail and express trains run from Quetta, connecting both provincial capitals with major cities including Karachi and Peshawar.
The Ministry of Railways plans to engage provincial governments in KPK and Balochistan to introduce additional passenger services, similar to arrangements in other provinces, he added.
He said the ministry has set an ambitious roadmap aimed at increasing Pakistan Railways’ market share from eight percent to 30 percent through a four-pronged strategy focusing on financial sustainability, governance and growth, private sector participation, and the use of technology and innovation.