Pakistan Railways is set to usher in a new era of state-of-the-art trains and modern operations, with the first phase of its largest-ever digitization program scheduled for completion by June 2026.
The nationwide initiative aims to modernize operations, enhance safety, reduce chronic delays, and expand rail connectivity across the country. The planned nationwide infrastructure upgrade program to address the looming challenge of over-aged railway tracks, improve safety standards, and expand rail connectivity across the country.
Officials from the Ministry of Railways unveiled that Pakistan’s rail network spans 11,881 track kilometres and 7,791 route kilometres, with nearly 67 percent of tracks exceeding their operational life. While train operations have continued despite years of underinvestment, deteriorating track conditions have increased safety risks and maintenance costs. And it is all prompting urgent intervention.
Alongside the digitization efforts, the government has launched a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade program to replace aging tracks and bring the network up to modern safety and efficiency standards.
PSDP funding drives safety upgrades on key rail corridors
However, to tackle these challenges, Pakistan Railways is financing upgrades through internal revenue and the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). Several high-priority routes are currently undergoing safety and rehabilitation works to improve reliability and minimize travel time.
Major PSDP-funded sections for Pakistan Railways Upgrade include
- Tando Adam–Rohri
- Rohri–Khanpur
- Kiamari–Hyderabad
- Khanewal–Shorkot–Faisalabad–Qila Sheikhupura–Shahdara
- Sher Shah–Kundian
- Rohri–Sibi
- Kotri–Akhundabad.
These corridors are serving as critical passenger and freight arteries and play a central role in national mobility.
Read more: Pakistan secures key ADB financing for Karachi-Rohri section of ML-1 and Quetta BRT
New rail links support energy and regional development
Beyond rehabilitation, Pakistan Railways is expanding the network with strategic new links. A key project currently under construction is the 105-kilometre rail link connecting Thar coal mines with Chhor Railway Station, designed to support energy transportation and unlock economic activity in Sindh’s desert region.
At the planning stage, the ministry has proposed large-scale upgradation of branch lines with financial support from provincial government
1: Punjab plans upgrade on seven sections covering over 1,400 kilometres, including Shahdara–Narowal–Sialkot and Kot Adu–Dera Ghazi Khan–Kasmor Colony.
2: Sindh has proposed six sections spanning nearly 1,000 kilometres, including Karachi–Hyderabad and Kotri–Dadu.
3: Baluchistan includes the Sariab–Quetta–Kuchlak section in its upgrade plan.
Restored routes and future international connectivity
Pakistan Railways has already restored the 93.41-kilometre Sibi–Harnai section, reopening it in October 2023 after a 17-year closure.
Furthermore, Work on the Samasatta–Bahawal Nagar section has also been awarded to the Frontier Works Organization, pending PC-I revision.
Meanwhile, feasibility studies are underway for new international and regional rail links, including a connection with
- Afghanistan via Kohat–Thal–Parachinar–Kharlachi
- A 680-kilometre Gwadar–Nok Kundi route.
Railway upgradation is a right step toward modernising Pakistan Railways
Moreover, Officials keep on saying that these initiatives will
- Improve passenger safety
- Reduce travel time
- Strengthen freight movement
- Modernise Pakistan Railways after decades of neglect. With PSDP backing and provincial collaboration, the rail network is gradually moving toward a safer and more connected future.