PM approves strategic roadmap for comprehensive Pakistan Railways reforms

ISLAMABAD, Jun 11 (APP):Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved a comprehensive strategic roadmap aimed at overhauling Pakistan Railways and directed authorities to prioritize freight services, attract private investment, and modernize the country’s rail network to transform it into a safe, affordable and efficient mode of transport.

Chairing a high-level meeting on railway reforms, the prime minister said Pakistan Railways possessed immense potential to become a reliable and cost-effective transportation system for both passengers and freight, while also contributing to economic growth and regional connectivity, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.

“Freight services are the backbone of the railway system and should be promoted on a priority basis,” Shehbaz Sharif said, emphasizing that strengthening cargo operations would be central to the reform agenda.

The prime minister directed relevant authorities to engage internationally renowned experts and consultants for the implementation of the reform roadmap and stressed the need to encourage private-sector participation through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.

He noted that an improved railway system would help reduce traffic pressure on roads, lower transportation costs and promote environmentally sustainable mobility by reducing carbon emissions.

“A modern and efficient railway network will support climate-friendly transport, strengthen regional connectivity and stimulate economic activity across the country,” he said.

The prime minister also instructed that revenue generated through private-sector investment on railway-owned land should be reinvested into the improvement and modernization of railway infrastructure and services.

During the meeting, officials presented a detailed briefing on the strategic reform roadmap and its key targets. The roadmap envisages increasing Pakistan Railways’ market share in both passenger and freight transport while improving service quality, expanding network capacity and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

According to the briefing, the reform plan includes measures to improve governance, accelerate digitalization, expand railway lines, strengthen regional connectivity, enhance private-sector participation through PPP arrangements and achieve financial stability.

The roadmap also covers the introduction of modern coaches, improved passenger facilities at trains and railway stations, upgrading of major railway corridors including ML-1, ML-2 and ML-3, and rightsizing initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency.

Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Khan Cheema and Muhammad Hanif Abbasi attended the meeting along with Adviser on Privatization Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior officials from relevant departments.