Pakistan Railways Sets Rs160bn Revenue Target, Sets December 31 Deadline for Major Reforms

Hanif Abbasi Orders Nationwide Operational Overhaul, Suspends Leave for Railway Staff During Reform Drive; 11 Refurbished Coaches Added to Privatised Awam Express

Syed Naveed Hussain

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has set an ambitious Rs160 billion revenue target for Pakistan Railways for the current fiscal year, announcing December 31 as the deadline to address longstanding operational shortcomings and accelerate institutional reforms.

He has directed all railway officers and employees to remain actively engaged in the field, suspending leave during the reform drive to ensure timely implementation of the measures.

The minister made the announcement while speaking to the media at Rawalpindi Railway Station after inaugurating 11 newly refurbished coaches of Awam Express, which has been taken over by AA Enterprises under the government's railway privatisation initiative.

Congratulating AA Enterprises, Abbasi said the train had previously deteriorated to such an extent that it was difficult for passengers to even consider travelling on it. However, he said the coaches had now been refurbished to a high standard, expressing confidence that the revamped service would prove successful. He also warned that attempts to undermine the initiative would not succeed.

The minister said the government's strategy, in line with the Prime Minister's vision, was to involve the private sector in railway operations to improve service quality, efficiency and financial performance.

Highlighting the department's improving financial position, Abbasi said Pakistan Railways had increased its revenue from Rs88 billion to Rs115 billion, with a further target of Rs160 billion for the current year.

He said salaries of railway employees had been regularised, the cleaning system was being modernised and free Wi-Fi facilities had been introduced at 60 railway stations to improve passenger convenience.

Abbasi also highlighted progress in restoring the department's infrastructure, saying the railway workshop in Lahore, which had remained closed for 15 years, had been revived. Similarly, all five workshops responsible for locomotive and wheel repairs, which had been non-functional since 2008, had been reactivated.

However, acknowledging serious operational challenges, the minister disclosed that 20 of Pakistan Railways' 40 trains were operating without complete braking systems. He said the government was working to resolve critical operational issues by December 31, adding that officers and staff would remain in the field throughout the reform period, with leave suspended to ensure uninterrupted progress.

On cooperation with provincial governments, Abbasi stressed that railway operations were being managed through consultation and coordination to ensure transparency and effective implementation of reforms. He thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for extending a Rs10 billion financial package to Pakistan Railways and said an agreement had also been reached with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to strengthen cooperation.

The minister further said railway hospitals were being transferred to the private sector for improved management, while railway employees would continue to receive completely free medical treatment. He added that discussions were also underway on introducing private-sector collaboration in the management of government hospitals, following similar initiatives in the education sector.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to improving passenger services, Abbasi said efforts were being made to ensure quality food, better food safety standards and a more comfortable travel environment across the railway network.

Describing Pakistan Railways as a national asset, he said protecting its infrastructure and resources was a collective responsibility. He added that CCTV surveillance had been installed across railway stations to monitor different sections and prevent the theft of railway equipment and spare parts. Those involved in such activities would face strict action, he warned.

Abbasi also acknowledged the National Logistics Corporation's (NLC) contribution to railway operations, cautioning that the withdrawal of its locomotives could seriously disrupt the railway system. He described NLC's support as vital to maintaining operational continuity.

The minister said the government was committed to transforming Pakistan Railways into an efficient, financially sustainable and passenger-friendly institution. He added that the Punjab government had allocated funds for restoring Lahore and Rawalpindi railway stations in their traditional Victorian architectural style, while improvement work had also been carried out at Rohri Junction.

He further announced that the Prime Minister was scheduled to inaugurate the Thar coal project, while the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project would be completed with the support of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

Concluding his remarks, Abbasi described himself as a worker rather than a revolutionary, saying his focus was on delivering practical improvements through consistent efforts, effective management and the implementation of reforms.