- Advertisement -
ISLAMABAD, Jan 8 (APP):The Ministry of Railways has launched wide-ranging reforms aimed at transforming Pakistan Railways into a profitable and financially sustainable organization, with a strong emphasis on revitalizing freight operations and improving passenger services.
An official in the Ministry told APP that freight operations are being prioritized as a major revenue driver. As part of these reforms, new freight wagons have been inducted and dedicated freight corridors are under development to enhance efficiency. Measures to improve cargo handling, reduce turnaround time, and develop strategic partnerships with major bulk clients are also underway.
The official said several initiatives have been introduced, including online booking of freight trains, additional freight and cargo services, and outsourcing of freight wagons. These steps have yielded tangible results, with the average payload per freight train increasing from 1,800 tons in 2023 to 2,400 tons in 2024.
On the passenger side, Pakistan Railways is now operating trains at full capacity. Coach composition has been increased from 15 to 19, and 10 new passenger trains have been introduced in recent months. Improved punctuality, better amenities, and rationalized fares have contributed to consistent growth in passenger revenue over the past five years.
To enhance on-board passenger facilitation, state-of-the-art dining cars and modern coaches have been introduced on Shalimar Express, Pak Business Express, and Islamabad Express. LED screens with preloaded programs and water dispensers have been installed, while comprehensive janitorial services are now provided on all trains, he added.
He said the enhanced services are also available on outsourced trains, including Green Line, Pak Business, Shah Hussain, Subak Raftar, Subak Kharam, Rawal Express, and Islamabad Express. Premium dining cars are operational on Khyber Mail, Allama Iqbal Express, and Rehman Baba, while complimentary services such as high tea, bedding, newspapers, hygiene kits, and mineral water are being offered on seven premium trains. Train hostesses have also been introduced on Islamabad Express.
The official said the significant improvements have also been made in off-board passenger facilitation. Escalators have been installed at Karachi and Lahore railway stations, while information desks and free Wi-Fi facilities now cover stations accounting for nearly 80 percent of total passenger footfall. Cleanliness agreements have been signed with provincial waste management companies in major cities to ensure hygienic platforms, washrooms, and surrounding areas, he said.
He said the waiting halls have been upgraded at major stations, including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi, while a new multi-story Train Dispatching Building has been completed at Lahore station, where a modern Computer-Based Interlocking system will soon be installed. Modern CIP lounges are operational at Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi stations, and extensive renovation work has been completed at Peshawar Cantt Station, he added.
Additional initiatives include the construction of aesthetically designed tuck shops, outsourcing of train rake washing services, installation of ticket vending machines and electronic information boards, provision of wheelchairs and ramps for elderly and disabled passengers, and concessional fares for students, senior citizens, journalists, and persons with disabilities, he said.
He said the passengers are also covered under State Life Insurance in case of mishaps, while online ticketing is available through mobile applications such as JazzCash, UBL, Omni, and Easypaisa. A state-of-the-art call center, RABTA, has been established for complaint redressal, alongside complaint registers at stations and on trains.
The official said these reforms reflect the government’s commitment to improving service quality, enhancing passenger satisfaction, and ensuring the long-term financial viability of Pakistan Railways.