Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has directed Pakistan Railways to speed up modernisation, including free Wi-Fi.
During a meeting, he told officials that a modern rail network is essential for strengthening the country’s economy and transport system.
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.
Recently, it has been reported that Pakistan Railways plans to locally manufacture as many as 295 high-capacity wagons with Chinese assistance by March and the related manufacturing units have been assigned targets in this regard.
Targets have also been assigned for manufacturing of over 170 high-speed state-of-the-art passenger coaches, including some brake vans by June 2027, according to a senior PR official.
“Manufacturing of modern high-capacity goods wagons and high-speed passenger coaches is part of PR’s plan to improve its freight and passenger services by inducting modern rolling stock in the system. Under this, the PR has started implementing this plan with Chinese assistance, placing orders for manufacturing of 820 wagons and 230 coaches about 4 years ago,” PR General Manager (Manufacturing & Services) Ghulam Qasim said.
