Railways aims to raise freight market share from 8% to 20% and passenger share from 5% to 7.52% under its reform and modernisation programme
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways plans to increase its share of the national freight market from the current 8% to around 20% following the upgradation of Main Line-1 (ML-1) under a comprehensive reform programme aimed at transforming the railway system.
According to an official in the Ministry of Railways, Pakistan Railways has approved a strategic reform roadmap focused on making the department modern, efficient, customer-oriented and financially sustainable.
The roadmap prioritises stronger freight operations, improved passenger services, infrastructure development, greater private-sector participation and digital transformation across the railway network.
The freight strategy will focus on expanding the transportation of coal, containers, cement, fertilisers, rock phosphate and other bulk commodities to strengthen Pakistan Railways’ role in the national logistics sector.
Passenger market share is also targeted to increase from the current 5% to 7.52% following completion of the ML-1 upgrade.
ML-1, ML-2 and ML-3 to be modernised
The modernisation programme includes upgrading the ML-1, ML-2 and ML-3 corridors to increase line capacity, improve safety, reduce travel times and enhance operational efficiency.
The plan also envisages the development of freight terminals, marshalling yards and multimodal logistics parks.
Passenger facilities at railway stations will also be upgraded to improve the travelling experience.
Pakistan Railways accelerates digital transformation
Pakistan Railways is pursuing a broad digital transformation programme that includes Wi-Fi services at major stations, e-ticketing through the RABTA system, real-time train tracking and digital passenger complaint management.
Other initiatives include smart railway stations, automated command and control systems, digital freight booking, automated weighbridges, freight parcel management and an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
The official said the RABTA application was already fully operational, allowing passengers to book tickets and make payments digitally.
The SAP-based ERP system supports financial management, procurement, inventory, stores, payroll and human resources, helping improve transparency, operational efficiency and real-time decision-making.
Greater private-sector participation planned
Pakistan Railways also plans to outsource the management of selected hospitals and schools, while encouraging greater private-sector involvement in commercial land development.
According to the official, increased private-sector participation is expected to attract investment, improve service delivery and reduce the financial burden on the government.
The initiative is also aimed at boosting operational efficiency, revenue generation and service quality.
Reforms target financial sustainability
The reforms are ultimately aimed at increasing passenger patronage, expanding freight transportation and putting Pakistan Railways on a more financially sustainable footing.
By combining infrastructure modernisation, digital transformation and increased private-sector participation, the railway administration aims to strengthen its role in Pakistan’s transport and logistics sector.