By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need to develop a strategic plan for expanding Pakistan’s railway network to enhance trade links with Central Asia. Chairing a meeting focused on Pakistan Railways, the prime minister highlighted the crucial role of railways as the backbone of any nation’s economy.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of rebuilding the country’s railway infrastructure on sustainable foundations and modernizing it to support regional trade and connectivity, describing it as a key component of national policy. He also instructed authorities to accelerate efforts to connect Gwadar port with the national railway network, aiming to boost economic activity and regional integration.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi briefed the prime minister on ongoing reforms within Pakistan Railways, outlining significant potential for further investment. He noted that modern information desks are being established at major stations including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan.
The briefing revealed that cleaning services at these stations have been outsourced to improve standards, while railway and provincial food authorities are jointly monitoring food quality on trains and at stations. Long-discontinued services have been reinstated to better serve the public. Recently, the Bolan Mail service was resumed on a daily basis, alongside the revival of Dera Ghazi Khan and Khushal Khan Khattak Express trains.
Additionally, outsourcing is underway for concrete sleeper factories in Sukkur, Khanewal, and Kohat. Efforts to modernize the railways also include the auctioning of the Royal Palm Golf and Country Club in Lahore and accelerating digitalization. The restructuring of the railway IT directorate is underway, with free Wi-Fi services being introduced on trains to enhance passenger experience.
