Revenue generation, other targets: PR makes notable progress

LAHORE: The Pakistan Railways (PR) has made significant progress during 2025 in revenue generation, safety, infrastructure upgradation, digitization and administrative reforms, delivering tangible benefits for passengers and contributing positively to the national economy.

According to senior railways officer Babar Raza, Pakistan Railways generated over Rs93 billion in revenue during 2025, while Rs50 billion is expected in the first half of the financial year 2025–26. He said if the current momentum continues, the organization is likely to achieve a historic milestone of Rs100 billion in revenue by the end of financial year.

He said the upgradation of the safety department to a full-fledged directorate has led to a marked decline in accidents. Following the establishment of the safety directorate, the accident rate dropped from 0.09 percent to 0.04 percent, with no serious accident reported during the period.

In 2025, Rawalpindi Railway Station was developed as Pakistan’s first smart station, equipped with modern surveillance cameras and advanced security systems. He said other major stations would be converted into smart stations in 2026, while cameras would also be installed inside trains.

The officer said eight train rakes were upgraded within eight months, including Shalimar Express, Pak Business Express, Lasani Express and Faiz Ahmed Faiz Express. The target is to upgrade all trains by December 2026. Major stations in Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad have already been upgraded.

He said the Pakistan Railways has completed full digitization, with all ministerial and departmental work shifted to e-filing. ATM, DVM and POS machines have been installed at major stations, while attendance has been computerized, ensuring salaries are issued only after physical attendance.

During 2025, the Pakistan Railways retrieved 394 acres of encroached land. He reaffirmed that all encroached railway land would be recovered by December 2026. Under the outsourcing initiative, three railway schools have been outsourced, while the remaining schools will be outsourced within six months. Eleven additional trains are also in the process of being outsourced.

Cleaning services at Lahore, Khanewal, Multan, Karachi and Rawalpindi stations have been outsourced to ensure round-the-clock cleanliness. Food quality at stations has also been improved, with provincial food authorities authorized to conduct inspections at any time.

He added that work on the Karachi–Rohri new track project is progressing, with groundbreaking scheduled for July. These initiatives, he said, reflect Pakistan Railways’ efforts to transform into a modern, safe and financially sustainable organization.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025