Punjab unveils Rs9.7bn rail safety plan, expands joint railway projects

July 28, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan Railways and the Punjab government are advancing a series of joint development projects aimed at modernizing railway infrastructure, improving passenger services, enhancing safety and preserving the country's railway heritage.

The progress was reviewed during a meeting between Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, where officials also outlined upcoming initiatives being implemented through federal-provincial cooperation, according to APP.

During the discussion, Hanif Abbasi said the Punjab government was making large-scale investments in railway development projects for the first time in the history of Pakistan Railways, describing the collaboration as a model of federal-provincial cooperation.

He expressed confidence that the joint initiatives would help improve railway infrastructure, passenger facilities, safety measures, environmental sustainability and heritage preservation while delivering benefits to the public at the earliest.

Officials informed the meeting that work was progressing on eight suburban railway routes across Punjab. Feasibility studies for three routes have been completed, while studies for the remaining projects are expected to be finalized soon to facilitate implementation.

The meeting was also informed that the Punjab government has approved Rs9.7bn for the upgradation of railway level crossings. Under the project, unsafe level crossings will be converted into manned crossings in phases to improve public safety and reduce accidents.

Participants reviewed progress on the Punjab Chief Minister's Green Railway Corridor initiative, under which tree plantation will be carried out along more than 40 kilometres of railway corridor to promote environmental sustainability and improve the surrounding landscape.

Progress under the "Suthra Punjab" programme was also assessed, with officials stating that sanitation work at railway stations is continuing to provide passengers with a cleaner and more comfortable travel environment.

Officials further briefed the meeting on the upgradation of the circulating area at Lahore Railway Station, saying the project has entered its final phase and is expected to be completed next month.

The meeting also discussed the Punjab Chief Minister's Railway Heritage Preservation Initiative, under which conservation, restoration and beautification work will begin in the first phase at the historic railway stations of Lahore, Rawalpindi and Taxila.

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