ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has launched a large-scale program to upgrade old tracks and expand the national rail network. The initiative aims to improve safety, reduce travel time, and strengthen connectivity across the country.
Officials said the department owns 11,881 track kilometers and 7,791 route kilometers nationwide. Nearly 67 percent of the existing tracks are now over-aged. These tracks require urgent repair or replacement to ensure safe operations.
Despite limited investment for decades, Railways has continued to run services across Pakistan. Officials said this was done to maintain connectivity and provide sustainable transport to the public.
The Ministry of Railways has acknowledged the poor condition of infrastructure. It is now working to improve tracks through better revenue generation and funding under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
One major ongoing project is a new 105-kilometer rail link. This link will connect Thar Coal Mines with Chhor Railway Station. Officials said the project will support energy transport and boost regional development.
Several existing routes are also being upgraded under PSDP-funded safety projects. These include critical sections such as Tando Adam–Rohri and Rohri–Khanpur. Other sections include Kiamari–Hyderabad and Khanewal–Shorkot–Faisalabad–Shahdara.
Additional safety work is underway on Sher Shah–Kundian and Rohri–Sibi routes. The Kotri–Akhundabad section is also part of the upgrade plan. These measures aim to improve reliability on busy rail corridors.
At the planning stage, Railways has proposed large-scale upgrades of branch lines. These projects are expected to receive financial support from provincial governments.
In Punjab, seven sections covering more than 1,400 kilometers are planned. Key routes include Shahdara–Narowal–Sialkot and Raiwind–Kasur–Pakpatan–Lodhran. The Kot Adu–Dera Ghazi Khan–Kasmor Colony route is also included.
In Sindh, six sections spanning nearly 1,000 kilometers have been proposed. These include Karachi–Hyderabad and Hyderabad–Rohri. The Kotri–Dadu route is also part of the plan.
In Balochistan, the Sariab–Quetta–Kuchlak section has been identified for upgradation.
To improve regional links, Railways has started feasibility studies for new routes. These include a possible rail link with Afghanistan via Kharlachi. A 680-kilometer link from Gwadar to Nok Kundi is also under review.
Officials said land acquisition is underway for future connections from Gwadar to Mastung and Jacobabad.
Meanwhile, the Sibi–Harnai section has been restored after being closed since 2006. Train services resumed on this route in October 2023. Work on the Samasatta–Bahawal Nagar section has also been awarded.
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Officials believe these steps will modernize Pakistan Railways. They expect better safety, faster travel, and improved passenger convenience nationwide.
