Hanif Abbasi Unveils Major Reforms to Revitalize Pakistan Railways

Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has announced a series of critical reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, service quality, and infrastructure development across the national railway network.

Abbasi chaired a high-level meeting at the Pakistan Railways headquarters on Monday, where he reviewed the performance of various railway divisions and discussed the progress of ongoing and upcoming projects. Key among the discussions was the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project, which aims to modernize and shorten train travel times across the country.

Key Reforms and Projects

1. ML-1 Project Enhancements: Abbasi emphasized the removal of engineering restrictions along the ML-1 route, setting a one-year target to reduce travel time significantly. Immediate work on the Kemari-Hyderabad section is also slated to begin without delay.
2. Track Rehabilitation: In a bid to overhaul the railway’s infrastructure, Abbasi ordered an accelerated timeline for track rehabilitation projects. The Project Director has been tasked with preparing railway sleepers within six months, with a target to complete the project in one year instead of the initially planned two.
3. Punctuality and Service Improvement: Abbasi set an ambitious goal of achieving 90–95% train punctuality within three months, stressing that no train should be delayed, not even for ministers. The railway administration has also been instructed to improve cleanliness and food quality on trains.
4. Revenue Enhancement: With a focus on increasing freight train revenues, Abbasi directed the ministry to streamline the online booking system for both passenger and freight trains to eliminate human errors and optimize efficiency.
5. Combatting Illegal Occupancy: In response to concerns about illegal occupancy of railway properties, Abbasi ordered an investigation into unauthorized individuals residing in railway colonies. He also banned the occupation of railway rest houses by non-authorized or retired personnel.
6. Elevators and Accessibility: As part of his push to improve infrastructure, Abbasi announced the installation of elevators at major railway stations, beginning with Rawalpindi. This initiative is expected to enhance accessibility for passengers, particularly those with limited mobility.
7. Anti-Encroachment Operation: A nationwide anti-encroachment operation will begin in Punjab and Sindh, expanding across the country. This will be carried out in collaboration with district administrations to clear railway land from illegal occupations.
8. Commercial Utilization of Railway Lands: Abbasi also called for a detailed report on railway lands with commercial potential and directed all railway divisions to provide data on leased properties.

Abbasi also referred to the success of Shahbaz Sharif’s administration in Punjab, where three-year projects were completed in a single year. He encouraged Pakistan Railways to adopt a similar fast-paced, results-oriented approach to reforms.

With these comprehensive reforms, the Minister for Railways aims to enhance public services, improve the railway’s financial standing, and restore Pakistan Railways as a key player in national transportation.