Pakistan Railways targets 20% freight market share under reform plan

November 05, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan Railways plans to increase its freight market share from 8% to 20% and passenger share from 5% to 7.52% following the upgradation of Main Line-1 (ML-1), under a comprehensive reform roadmap aimed at modernizing the department and improving its financial sustainability.

The strategic roadmap focuses on strengthening freight operations, upgrading passenger services, expanding private-sector participation and accelerating digital transformation across the railway network, according to APP.

Under the plan, the department aims to expand the transportation of coal, containers, cement, fertilizers, rock phosphate and other bulk commodities to strengthen its position in the national freight sector.

The official said the modernization programme also envisaged the upgradation of ML-1, ML-2 and ML-3 corridors to increase line capacity, enhance safety, reduce travel time and improve operational efficiency.

The programme includes developing freight terminals, marshalling yards and multimodal logistics parks, alongside improving passenger facilities at railway stations.

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

The official said the RABTA application was already fully operational, enabling passengers to book tickets and make payments digitally.

Meanwhile, the SAP-based ERP system is supporting financial management, procurement, inventory, stores, payroll and human resources, improving transparency, operational efficiency and real-time decision-making.

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

The official said increased private-sector involvement would help attract investment, improve service delivery, reduce the government's financial burden and enhance revenue generation.

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

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