Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved on Thursday a strategic roadmap for comprehensive reforms in the Pakistan Railways.
The approval was granted during a high-level meeting on railway reforms chaired by the prime minister. Speaking at the meeting, the prime minister said Pakistan Railways possesses significant potential to become a safe and affordable mode of transport for both passengers and freight.
He said freight services form the backbone of the railway system and directed that the cargo sector be developed on a priority basis.
The prime minister directed the authorities to engage internationally recognised experts and consultants to support the implementation of the railway reform roadmap.
He also instructed that private sector investment in Pakistan Railways be promoted through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.
The prime minister said improvements in the railway system would reduce traffic congestion on roads. He added that a modern and efficient railway network would contribute to lower carbon emissions and support environmentally friendly transport.
He said the development of Pakistan Railways would strengthen regional connectivity and stimulate economic activity. Revenue generated through private sector investment on railway land should be utilised for the improvement of the railway system, he added.
The meeting received a detailed briefing on the strategic roadmap and targets for comprehensive reforms in Pakistan Railways. The roadmap includes goals to increase market share in both passenger and freight operations.
Improving service standards, enhancing network capacity and achieving financial sustainability will form the key pillars of the reform programme.
The roadmap also includes measures to improve railway governance, advance digitisation, expand railway lines, strengthen regional connectivity, encourage private sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships and establish financial stability.
The use of modern coaches, improved passenger facilities at trains and stations, the upgrading of ML-1, ML-2, ML-3 and other rail tracks, and right-sizing measures are also included in the reform agenda.
Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Khan Cheema and Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior officials of relevant institutions attended the meeting.
