Pakistan Railways sets ambitious freight growth target

September 07, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan Railways has approved a comprehensive reform roadmap to transform the organization into a modern, efficient, customer-focused and financially sustainable entity.

According to an official from the Ministry of Railways, the strategy covers improvements in freight and passenger operations, infrastructure development, increased private-sector participation and digitalization across the railway network, as reported by APP.

The reform plan targets an increase in Pakistan Railways’ freight market share from the current 8% to around 20% following the upgradation of Main Line-1 (ML-1).

The railway aims to expand transportation of coal, containers, cement, fertilizers, rock phosphate and other bulk commodities.

Passenger market share is also targeted to rise from 5% to 7.52% after completion of the ML-1 upgrade.

The modernization programme includes upgrading the ML-1, ML-2 and ML-3 corridors to increase line capacity, enhance safety, shorten travel times and improve operational efficiency.

It also envisages new freight terminals, marshalling yards and multimodal logistics parks, along with improved passenger facilities at railway stations.

As part of the digital transformation, Pakistan Railways is introducing Wi-Fi at major stations, RABTA-based e-ticketing, real-time train tracking, passenger complaint management, smart railway stations, automated command and control systems, digital freight booking, automated weighbridges, freight parcel management and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).

The RABTA application is already fully operational, offering passengers digital booking and payment facilities. Meanwhile, the SAP-based ERP system supports financial management, procurement, inventory, stores, payroll and human resources.

Pakistan Railways also plans to outsource the management of selected hospitals and schools and expand private-sector participation in commercial land development.

According to the official, greater private-sector involvement is expected to improve service delivery, attract investment, reduce the government’s financial burden and enhance operational efficiency, service quality and revenue generation.

The reforms are aimed at improving passenger facilities and patronage, increasing freight transportation and strengthening the long-term financial sustainability of Pakistan Railways.

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