PM Directs Pakistan Railways to Improve Facilities Through Public-Private Partnerships

ISLAMABAD, Jan 27 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed Pakistan Railways to enhance travel facilities by adopting a public-private partnership model.

Chairing a high-level meeting on railway matters, the prime minister emphasized the need to attract passengers with competitive rates and improved services.

He advised the Railways to use its land commercially in collaboration with the private sector and explore strategies to boost regional trade, particularly with Central Asian states.

To modernize operations, the prime minister called for skilled professionals and the adoption of advanced technology to replace the outdated railway system.

Ensuring profitability for freight and passenger services was also highlighted, as was the need to enhance operational efficiency.

Officials briefed the prime minister on challenges faced by Pakistan Railways, including damages amounting to Rs10 billion during the 2022 floods, which left rail tracks submerged for 35 days.

Following the floods, the Railways resumed operations efficiently and earned profits through freight services, capturing nearly 8% of the freight market.

The meeting also reviewed workforce optimization measures, noting that 18% of redundant positions had been eliminated as part of rightsizing.

Progress on linking Thar Coalfields via improved communication infrastructure was also discussed.

Federal ministers and senior officials, including Dr. Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aleem Khan, and Sardar Awais Leghari, attended the meeting.