Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi announced that major projects, including the digitalization, upgradation and outsourcing of Pakistan Railways, would be completed this year.
He also said Faisalabad Railway Station would be upgraded to modern international standards within the next 45 days.
During his visit to Faisalabad Railway Station on Saturday, the minister said that a $10 billion project is planned for an 850-kilometer track from Kohat to Mazar-i-Sharif, along with a 75-kilometer extension to Uzbekistan.
He added that, under the prime minister’s vision, both short- and long-term projects are being carried out to modernize rail operations, enhance regional connectivity and provide passengers with world-class facilities.
The digitalization initiative has already automated the ticketing system, launched a train tracking system and installed ATMs at major stations.
In collaboration with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, free WiFi is being introduced at 40 railway stations across the province.
The service has started in Lahore and will soon be available in Faisalabad, Karachi, Hyderabad and other cities.
Abbasi said the outsourcing process will be completed by September 30, covering nine to eleven passenger and freight trains, rest houses, special saloons, hospitals, schools and other facilities to improve service quality and increase revenue.
Special salons, once reserved for government officials, are now available for public rent at affordable rates.
The cleanliness system has been modernized, with solid waste management companies now operating at multiple stations, including three in Rawalpindi, as well as in Khanewal, Multan, Raiwind, Okara and three in Lahore.
Agreements for more stations are in progress. Provincial food authorities have been granted direct access to stations to monitor and ensure quality food for passengers.
He announced that modern Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains with a capacity of 650 passengers will run on routes such as Lahore–Faisalabad, Narowal, Kasur and others, with the option to expand as needed.
The Punjab government is investing Rs50 billion in railway development, including the upgradation of eight routes such as Lahore–Faisalabad, Lahore–Narowal, Lahore–Kot Addu and Lahore–Kasur.
Additionally, Rs250 billion has been allocated for a new double-track and modern signaling system between Lahore and Rawalpindi, cutting travel time between the two cities to 2–2.5 hours.
Other projects include a Rs2.35 billion linear park from Shahdara to Raiwind, the uplift of Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Taxila stations, and the upgradation of the 50-kilometer Sheikh Zayed–Kuchlak section in Balochistan.
Rohri Railway Station will be upgraded under an agreement with the Sindh government, following the Lahore model, while a modern Karachi station is expected to open on September 10.
Feasibility studies for the 250-kilometer Sibi–Rohri section and the 480-kilometer Rohri–Karachi track will be completed in the coming months, with construction expected to start by June next year.
The Thar Coal track is planned for completion by next April, lowering electricity generation costs from Rs15 to Rs4 per unit, while the Reko Diq railway link is expected to be completed by 2028 to improve mineral transportation.
Under the Track Access Fee policy, the private sector has been allowed to operate its wagons and trains to promote competition and provide better, more affordable services.
Abbasi said the Faisalabad Railway Station transformation will be carried out with the support of local industrialists and traders, while the Gujranwala Station upgrade will be personally funded by Aleem Khan.
He praised the rapid modernization of Lahore Railway Station and expressed his determination to replicate the same quality nationwide.
The upgradation of Faisalabad Station will benefit 8,000 to 10,000 passengers daily and further strengthen the city’s role as an industrial and commercial hub, he added.