ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a comprehensive reform roadmap for Pakistan Railways, which aims to modernize the railway system, provide better facilities to passengers, expand the freight sector and ensure the financial sustainability of the institution through private investment.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Prime Minister chaired a high-level meeting on the reform program of Pakistan Railways in Islamabad on Thursday, in which a detailed briefing was given on the strategic roadmap prepared for the future of the railways. The meeting was attended by federal ministers, economic advisors and senior officials of relevant institutions.
According to the government’s strategy, the focus of the reforms is to increase the market share of the railways in both the passenger and freight sectors. The roadmap has given key importance to improving the quality of railway services, increasing network capacity, financial stability, governance reforms, digitalization, promoting regional connectivity and involving the private sector through public-private partnerships.
In the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan Railways has immense potential to become a safe, low-cost and environment-friendly transport system. He stressed that the freight sector is the backbone of the railways, therefore its development should be given top priority.
The Prime Minister directed that the services of world-renowned experts and consultants be sought for the effective implementation of the reform program so that a modern railway system can be created as per international standards. He said that the improvement of the railways will reduce traffic pressure on the roads, save fuel and bring positive benefits to the national economy.
The reform plan also includes the upgradation of important railway tracks including ML-1, ML-2 and ML-3. According to officials, the completion of these projects is expected to significantly increase the speed, capacity and efficiency of the railway network from Karachi to Peshawar. In addition, modern coaches, improved station facilities and modern digital services are also part of the plan.
Economic experts say that the improvement of Pakistan Railways will not only modernize the country’s transportation system but also promote regional trade and economic activities. Strengthening the railway network is being considered a key component of Pakistan’s economic strategy in the context of connectivity between China, Central Asia and South Asia.
The Prime Minister also stressed during the meeting that the income generated from private sector investment in railway land should be reinvested in improving railway infrastructure and services.
According to policy experts, this move by the government is being described as a significant step towards making Pakistan Railways a modern, financially sound and competitive institution, which can play a key role in promoting the national economy and regional connectivity in the future.
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