Shehbaz Sharif, the Pakistani Prime Minister, has instructed the adoption of a public–private partnership (PPP) model for managing Pakistan Railways’ (PR) property and land assets, emphasising the railway network’s crucial role in the nation’s economy and communication infrastructure.
During a high-level meeting in Islamabad, officials reviewed PR’s modernisation, regional connectivity and international train link projects.
Notable outsourcing initiatives include four trains already handed over to private operators (11 more to follow, estimating an additional Rs 8.5 billion in revenue), 40 luggage/brake vans outsourced (estimating Rs 820 million) and two cargo-express trains project-ed to add Rs 6.3 billion.
Restructuring has seen closure of entities such as Railway Constructions Pakistan Limited, Pakistan Railway Freight Transportation Company and Pakistan Railway Advisory & Consultancy Services to streamline operations.
Digital upgrades were highlighted: seven “Raabta” portals are operational, 56 trains have been integrated into the digital system, free Wi-Fi is enabled at major stations (Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad), with plans to add connectivity to 48 more stations next month. A pilot digital weighing bridge has launched at Karachi City Station, with expansion planned.
The PM described PR’s restoration and modernisation as vital for economic growth and enhanced regional/international connectivity.