LAHORE, Dec 7 (APP): The Pakistan Railways (PR) continues to move toward financial stability, as it has earned over Rs 300 billion in four years from various revenue streams.
According to the documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the department has earned a total of Rs306.203 billion from FY2021-22 to FY2024-25.
Year-wise revenue stands at Rs60.092 billion in 2021–22, Rs 63.718 billion in 2022–23, Rs 88.792 billion in 2023–24, and Rs 93.601 billion in 2024–25.
Similarly, the department incurred operating expenses of Rs67.699 billion in 2021-22, Rs 72.178 billion in 2022-23, Rs88.380 billion in 2023-24, and Rs 89.269 billion in 2024-25.
According to the documents, the Pakistan Railways generates revenue through several major streams, with passenger services as the primary source.
Freight operations form another key revenue stream, transporting petroleum, coal, cement, agricultural products, and other items across the country. Rented or leased railway property and assets, and management of trains, stations, and terminals through public-private partnerships are also sources of revenue generation.
The department has recently taken several steps, such as executive washrooms, free Wi-Fi, escalators at major stations, modern dining cars with hygienic food, and improved cleanliness standards in partnership with the waste management department.
The department’s management efforts have had a very positive impact on passenger satisfaction levels. Train punctuality has significantly improved, as it was 81 percent in 2021–22, 79 percent in 2022–23, and 82 percent in 2023–24.
The ministry is proactively engaging private parties through leasing and outsourcing of services, such as commercial management of trains, terminals, and stations. So far, six passenger trains have been outsourced, while the outsourcing of 11 more passenger trains is in process.
Moreover, the commercial management of 20 brake vans and 14 simple vans has been outsourced.
The document further reveals that the department has undertaken a third-party audit by the Auditor General of Pakistan to ensure transparency.
A senior official of the Ministry of Railways told Wealth Pakistan that the focus is now on long-term reforms to improve operational efficiency and financial stability of the department.
He said some other improvements, such as upgradation of tracks and modernization of the signaling system, are direly needed.
The official said prioritizing digital transformation by promoting online booking systems is also essential, adding that mobile applications and automated ticketing services across the railway network will enhance the department’s efficiency and performance.
Efforts are underway to expand the freight corridor to attract larger commercial clients and increase the cargo handling capacity.
“These initiatives will strengthen the PR’s revenue base and reduce its reliance on government subsidies,” the official said.