Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi inaugurated the newly upgraded and renovated Faisalabad Railway Station on Wednesday.
Speaking to the media, Abbasi said the station’s waiting lounge can now accommodate more than 500 passengers. He appreciated local industrialist Mian Muhammad Idrees and the city’s business community for their cooperation in completing the renovation.
The minister announced that the Rawalpindi station would soon be inaugurated as well, reaffirming the government’s commitment to reviving key rail tracks and improving passenger facilities nationwide.
He shared that free Wi-Fi has been activated at five major railway stations — Faisalabad, Lahore, Multan, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. In addition, a 500-kilometer section of the Karachi–Rohri track is currently being upgraded.
Abbasi noted that over the past eight months, several development projects have been initiated, including the modernization of the Shalimar Express with advanced amenities. He added that new passenger service centers would be launched under public-private partnerships, with enhanced security measures also being implemented.
Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the restoration of a 144-year-old railway station building in Gujranwala. The renovated site, named “Adabi Bethak”, features a Reading Corner and a modern cafeteria inspired by Lahore’s iconic Pak Tea House, offering residents a vibrant cultural and intellectual space.