Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given all the relevant instructions to the department to speed up its modernisation drive, urging officials to bring in top-tier international legal and economic experts to support projects linked with regional connectivity. For him, a modern rail network isn’t just about trains and tracks; it’s about strengthening the economy, trade routes, and everyday travel for millions of Pakistanis.
Pakistan Railways is expanding its digital infrastructure
During a recent high-level briefing, officials shared that Pakistan Railways is expanding its digital infrastructure at a much faster pace than before. Under the Rabta initiative, seven digital portals are now fully functional, 56 trains have shifted to this new system, and 54 stations have already been digitized.
One of the most passenger-friendly changes is free Wi-Fi at major stations. Right now, Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad stations are already offering free internet — a big relief for travellers waiting for delayed trains, families tracking loved ones, or students trying to stay connected on the go. Even better, 48 more railway stations are set to get free Wi-Fi by December, bringing digital access to passengers in far more cities and towns.
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Online freight booking system launched
Digital upgrades are not just limited to passengers with smartphones. Pakistan Railways has launched an online freight booking system, making it much easier for businesses and traders to reserve space for goods without endless paperwork or repeated office visits.
A pilot digital weighing bridge has also been installed at Karachi City Railway Station to ensure transparent, accurate cargo weighing. In the next phase, this system will be extended to Pipri, Karachi Cantonment, Port Qasim, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, making freight operations smoother and more reliable.
148 AI-powered surveillance cameras have been installed
Security and comfort are also getting attention. At Rawalpindi Railway Station, 148 AI-powered surveillance cameras have been installed to monitor platforms, entrances, and public areas, helping deter crime and improve passenger safety. ATM machines are being placed at major stations so passengers don’t have to rush outside to withdraw cash at odd hours.
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To improve the travel experience, Pakistan Railways has taken many steps to outsource cleaning services and upgrade waiting areas at major stations. Cleaner platforms, better seating, and improved basic facilities may seem small on paper, but for families with children, elderly passengers, and daily commuters, they can play a role in converting a stressful journey into a more comfortable one.
Taken together, these steps are manifesting a clear shift: from a neglected, old-fashioned rail system to a more digital, passenger-focused network. Free Wi-Fi, online services, security cameras, and upgraded facilities all point toward a future where train travel in Pakistan is not just cheaper than flying — but also smarter, safer, and more convenient.