Key points:
- Railways has shifted 56 trains to a solar-powered digital system and digitised 54 stations under major modernisation.
- PM Shehbaz was briefed that 155 stations now run on solar energy, reducing power costs and ensuring uninterrupted operations.
- Seven digital ‘Rabta’ portals, online freight booking, Wi-Fi expansion, and AI surveillance mark the ongoing digital upgrade.
- Government moves to outsource more trains, hospitals, schools, and cargo operations to raise revenue and improve efficiency.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has shifted 56 trains onto its new solar-powered and digital system, digitised 54 stations, and activated seven ‘Rabta’ portals—modernisation steps expected to save the department millions in the future.
PM Reviews Solar Power Expansion
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reviewed progress on the solarisation and digital transformation of Pakistan Railways, emphasising that a modern and efficient rail network is vital for economic growth and regional connectivity.
Officials briefed him that 155 railway stations have now been converted to solar energy, one of the largest renewable-energy transitions in the public sector. The shift is expected to significantly reduce power costs and ensure uninterrupted station operations.
Push for Global Standards
The prime minister urged authorities to adopt global best practices, speed up reforms and ensure that all upcoming mega projects meet international standards. He also highlighted the need for high-level legal and economic expertise for cross-border rail initiatives.
Digitalisation and Passenger Facilities
The meeting was informed that seven digital portals under the Rabta initiative are fully functional, 56 trains have transitioned to an integrated digital system, and 54 stations have been digitised. Free Wi-Fi is already available at major stations, with 48 more stations expected to be covered by year-end.
Broader Upgradation Drive
Officials also shared updates on the online freight booking system, pilot digital weighing bridges, AI-powered surveillance cameras, upgraded passenger waiting areas, and improved station facilities. Planning is underway for upgrading the Karachi–Kotri section of Main Line-1 and Main Line-3, while international connectivity projects—such as the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul service and the Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan rail corridor—are advancing.
Prime Minister Shehbaz praised Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi and his team, calling the solarisation and digital upgrades a major step toward building a modern, regionally connected rail system.
Railways Eyes Revenue Boost as Outsourcing Drive Expands
Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways is preparing for a major restructuring as the government ramps up outsourcing, following the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) approval of a $10 million assistance package for the Railway Improvement Project.
New Outsourcing Initiatives
At a meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif, officials reported that tenders had been issued to outsource 11 more passenger trains, a move expected to raise Rs8.5 billion in additional revenue. Four trains have already been outsourced.
Hospitals, Schools and Dry Ports to Go Private
The meeting was informed that outsourcing is expanding across the department. Railway hospitals in Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, and Sukkur are being handed over to private operators. Railway schools, colleges, rest houses, and dry ports in Islamabad, Lahore, and Azakhail are also being transferred to private management.
Cargo Operations and Assets Outsourcing
Officials added that 40 luggage and brake vans have been outsourced, expected to generate Rs820 million, while outsourcing two cargo express trains is underway, projected to bring in Rs6.3 billion.
PPP Model Encouraged
PM Shehbaz emphasised the need to adopt a public-private partnership (PPP) model for managing railway land and assets, calling the rail network “the backbone of a country’s economy”. He directed authorities to involve leading legal and financial experts for regional and international rail projects.
Infrastructure and Technology Upgrades
The meeting also reviewed progress on the resumption of the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul train and initial work on the Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan rail corridor. Plans to upgrade the Karachi–Kotri section of Main Line-1 and Main Line-3 are being finalised.
On the technology front, officials shared updates on solarisation, digital portals, Wi-Fi rollout, online freight booking, AI surveillance cameras, and ATM installations. Cleanliness operations at major stations have also been outsourced as part of the ongoing modernisation programme.
