Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed Pakistan Railways to accelerate its modernization efforts by bringing in international-level legal and economic experts for projects tied to regional connectivity.
He told officials during a high-level meeting that a modern rail network is essential for strengthening the country’s economy and transport system. During the briefing, officials reported that Pakistan Railways is expanding its digital infrastructure.
They said seven digital portals under the Rabta initiative are fully operational, fifty-six trains have shifted to the system, and fifty-four stations have been digitized. They added that Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad railway stations now offer free Wi-Fi, and forty-eight more stations will receive the service by December.
Officials also announced the launch of an online freight booking system and a pilot digital weighing bridge at Karachi City Railway Station. The next phase will extend the weighing system to Pipri, Karachi Cantonment, Port Qasim, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
At Rawalpindi Railway Station, Pakistan Railways has installed 148 AI-powered surveillance cameras to enhance security. ATM machines are also being placed at major stations to improve passenger convenience.
The department has outsourced cleaning services and upgraded waiting areas at major stations as part of wider efforts to improve facilities.
