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ISLAMABAD, Jan 6 (APP):Pakistan Railways has launched an extensive programme to upgrade aging rail infrastructure, expand the network and restore long-neglected sections, with the objective of improving safety, reducing travel time and strengthening national connectivity.
“The department owns a total of 11,881 track kilometers and 7,791 route kilometers across the country, adding that nearly 67 percent of the existing track has become over-aged,” an official in the Ministry of Railways.
Despite limited investment in railway infrastructure for more than seven decades, the official said, Pakistan Railways has continued to maintain operations to ensure sustainable service delivery.
The official said the Ministry has recognized the deteriorating condition of railway tracks and is making substantial efforts to improve infrastructure through revenue generation and funding under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
Among the key ongoing projects, he said, is the construction of a 105-kilometer new rail link connecting Thar Coal Mines with Chhor Railway Station, a project expected to facilitate energy transportation and promote regional development.
He said that several operational routes are currently being upgraded under PSDP-funded track safety initiatives. These included immediate and essential safety works on critical sections such as Tando Adam–Rohri, Rohri–Khanpur, Kiamari–Hyderabad, Khanewal–Shorkot–Faisalabad–Qila Sheikhupura–Shahdara, Sher Shah–Kundian, Rohri–Sibi and Kotri–Akhundabad. These measures are aimed at enhancing operational safety and improving reliability on major rail corridors.
At the planning stage, the official said Pakistan Railways has proposed large-scale upgradation of branch lines with financial support from the provincial governments of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan.
In Punjab, the official said seven sections spanning over 1,400 kilometers are planned for upgradation, including the Shahdara–Narowal–Sialkot, Raiwind–Kasur–Pakpatan–Lodhran and Kot Adu–Dera Ghazi Khan–Kasmor Colony routes.
In Sindh, six sections covering nearly 1,000 kilometers—such as Karachi–Hyderabad, Hyderabad–Rohri and Kotri–Dadu—have been proposed for improvement. While in Balochistan, the Sariab–Quetta–Kuchlak section is also included in the upgradation plan, he added.
To further enhance regional and international connectivity, the official said Pakistan Railways has initiated feasibility studies for new rail links, including a possible connection with Afghanistan via Kohat–Thal–Parachinar–Kharlachi, as well as a 680-kilometer rail link from Gwadar to Nok Kundi.
The official said that land acquisition is underway for future rail connectivity from Gwadar to Mastung and Jacobabad through various routes in Balochistan.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways has successfully restored the Sibi–Harnai section, measuring 93.41 kilometers, which had remained closed since 2006 and was reopened for rail traffic in October 2023. The restoration work on the Samasatta–Bahawal Nagar section has also been awarded to Frontier Works Organization (FWO), with completion expected following the revision of the PC-I, he added.
He said these initiatives will significantly improve passenger convenience, enhance safety and reduce travel time between major railway stations, marking a key step toward the modernization of Pakistan Railways.