Pakistan Railways to Undergo Major Upgrades in 2025 — Faisalabad Station to Match International Standards
FAISALABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has announced a series of transformative projects for Pakistan Railways, including complete digitalization, infrastructure upgrades, and outsourcing initiatives aimed at boosting efficiency and passenger convenience.
During his visit to Faisalabad Railway Station on Saturday, Abbasi revealed that the station will be upgraded to modern international standards within the next 45 days.
Mega Rail Projects Underway
The minister disclosed plans for a $10 billion railway project covering an 850-kilometer track from Kohat to Mazar-i-Sharif, along with a 75-kilometer extension to Uzbekistan, enhancing regional connectivity.
Other key projects include:
-
Full digitalization of ticketing and train tracking systems.
-
ATM installation at major stations.
-
Free WiFi at 40 railway stations in collaboration with Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz.
-
Outsourcing by September 30 of passenger and freight trains, rest houses, saloons, hospitals, and schools to improve services and revenue.
New Trains & Routes
Abbasi announced the launch of modern Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains on routes such as Lahore–Faisalabad, Narowal, and Kasur, each with a 650-passenger capacity.
The Punjab government is investing Rs. 50 billion in upgrading eight key routes, including Lahore–Kot Addu and Lahore–Narowal. Additionally, Rs. 250 billion has been allocated for a new double track and advanced signaling system between Lahore and Rawalpindi, cutting travel time to just 2–2.5 hours.
Station Upgrades Nationwide
-
Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Taxila stations to be modernized.
-
Rohri Station to be upgraded under an agreement with the Sindh government.
-
A modern Karachi Station set to be inaugurated on September 10.
Boost to Industry & Economy
The Faisalabad upgrade is expected to directly benefit 8,000–10,000 daily passengers while strengthening the city’s role as an industrial and commercial hub.
Abbasi emphasized that these projects, including the Thar Coal track (to cut electricity costs from Rs. 15 to Rs. 4 per unit) and Reko Diq railway link (completion by 2028), will revolutionize freight and passenger travel in Pakistan.
