Pakistan Railways to Get Major Upgrades This Year

Pakistan Railways has launched a digital upgrade of its network, with completion scheduled for June 2026.

During a Monday meeting chaired by Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, the Directorate of IT presented the progress and implementation plan for Phase-I of the Railway Advanced Infrastructure Network (RAIN) Project.

Officials said Pakistan Railways will fully execute Phase I using its own revenue. Phase-I includes GPS tracking for all trains and locomotives, establishing smart and safe railway stations in major cities modeled on Rawalpindi station, and providing high-speed internet at selected stations.

The project also involves setting up command and control centers at Lahore headquarters and all divisional offices, fiberizing 1,700 kilometers of the ML-1 railway network, and enabling real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making.

Minister Abbasi said the project will reduce train delays and accidents, improve passenger services, and increase operational efficiency. He added that the new command and control systems will allow faster and effective responses in emergencies.