KARACHI: Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, unveiled a comprehensive series of reforms and development initiatives during a visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday. The Minister outlined plans aimed at modernizing Pakistan Railways, emphasizing efficiency, transparency, and collaboration with the private sector.
Abbasi announced significant progress in recovering railway properties, stating that lands worth Rs.15 billion have already been reclaimed, with an additional Rs.50 billion slated for recovery within the year. He clarified that these assets are non-saleable but open to revenue-sharing partnerships to optimize use.
Highlighting Karachi's critical role, Abbasi noted the ongoing Thar coal transportation project and announced the upcoming Karachi-Rohri railway line, expected by June 2026. He also detailed modernization efforts, including solarizing 60 of 155 targeted railway stations and installing Wi-Fi and ATM services across major stations.
The Minister revealed efforts to digitize operations, saving Rs.4 billion through meter regularization, and addressed ticketing theft, which previously caused annual losses of Rs.1 billion. He emphasized strict enforcement against ticketless travel, declaring that all passengers, regardless of status, must purchase tickets.
In a bid to improve services, 11 passenger trains have been outsourced, with plans to extend this to 38 by December. Freight trains, hospitals, and schools are also being outsourced, with assurances that railway employees will continue to receive free treatment.
Abbasi acknowledged challenges such as train delays due to floods and the poor quality of rolling stock acquired eight years ago. He announced an inquiry into the matter and discussed efforts to improve train sanitation and pest control.
Zubair Motiwala, Chairman of the Businessmen Group, stressed the importance of shifting focus from passenger to cargo traffic, citing the British Railways model. He advocated for a bypass to alleviate Karachi's traffic congestion and reduce road accidents.
KCCI President, Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, commended the Minister's efforts to transform Pakistan Railways into a profitable entity and called for similar upgrades at Karachi's railway stations. He emphasized the need to reconnect Karachi's ports with the railway network to lower logistics costs and support economic growth.
The meeting underscored collaboration between the Ministry of Railways and the Karachi business community, with a mutual focus on digitalization and strategic development to enhance the railways' role in the national economy.