Punjab becomes first province to invest heavily in railway development: Abbasi

ISLAMABAD, Jul 28 (APP):Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi Tuesday said that for the first time in the history of Pakistan Railways, Punjab government was making large-scale investments in railway development projects, terming it as a model of federal-provincial cooperation.

During the meeting with Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, the minister expressed confidence that the joint initiatives would accelerate the improvement of railway infrastructure, passenger services, safety measures, environmental sustainability and preservation of railway heritage, ensuring that their benefits reach the public at the earliest.

They reviewed progress on a range of joint railway development projects aimed at modernizing infrastructure, improving passenger facilities and enhancing railway safety across the province.

The officials briefed the participants on ongoing projects being implemented jointly by the Punjab government and Pakistan Railways, as well as future development initiatives.

The meeting was informed that work on eight suburban railway routes in Punjab was progressing, with feasibility studies for three routes already completed, while studies for the remaining projects would be finalized soon to pave the way for implementation.

The officials also informed the meeting that the Punjab government had approved Rs9.7 billion for the upgradation of railway level crossings.

Under the project, unsafe level crossings will be converted into manned crossings in phases to improve public safety and reduce accidents.

The participants reviewed progress on the Punjab Chief Minister’s Green Railway Corridor initiative, under which tree plantation will be carried out along more than 40 kilometres of railway corridor to promote a cleaner environment and enhance the landscape.

The meeting also assessed progress under the “Suthra Punjab” programme for improving cleanliness at railway stations.

The officials said sanitation work was continuing effectively to provide passengers with a cleaner and more comfortable travel environment.

A briefing was also given on the upgradation of the circulating area at Lahore Railway Station. The project has entered its final phase and is expected to be completed next month, offering improved facilities for passengers.

The meeting further discussed the Punjab Chief Minister’s Railway Heritage Preservation Initiative. In its first phase, conservation, restoration and beautification work will be undertaken at the historic railway stations of Lahore, Rawalpindi and Taxila.