Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to modernising its rail network and transforming it into a globally competitive transport system that drives trade and regional connectivity.
Speaking at the Regional Transport Ministers’ International Conference, Abbasi said modern transport systems are not just for moving goods and passengers; they are key to economic growth, job creation, and regional cooperation.
Rail Modernisation and Digitisation Drive
Pakistan Railways, one of South Asia’s oldest and largest networks, is undergoing a major transformation focused on digitisation, transparency, and service efficiency. The ministry is outsourcing several passenger and freight trains under public-private partnership (PPP) models to improve performance and increase revenue.
Abbasi stressed that the ultimate goal is to make Pakistan Railways self-sustaining, efficient, and regionally competitive, supporting the country’s growing trade ambitions.
ML-I and Strategic Railway Corridors
Highlighting key projects, Abbasi described the Main Line-I (ML-I) as the backbone of Pakistan Railways, carrying 80% of passengers and 90% of freight. He said the ML-I upgrade is essential to enhance capacity, safety, and regional integration.
He also discussed the Main Line-II (Kotri–Attock) and the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan Railway Corridor (UAPRC). These initiatives aim to connect Pakistan’s seaports with the landlocked Central Asian Republics, opening new trade routes.
The UAPRC includes a 192-kilometre new rail link from Kohat to Kharlachi, which will strengthen north–south connectivity and expand regional trade.
Expanding Regional Rail Links
Abbasi noted that upgrading the Main Line-III (Quetta–Taftan), linking Pakistan with Iran, Türkiye, and Europe through the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) freight train, will unlock mineral export potential from Balochistan’s Chaghi region to Karachi ports.
Plans for the Main Line-IV (ML-IV) are also in progress. This project will connect Gwadar Port with the national network, reinforcing its role as a gateway to regional trade.
Additionally, the Thar Coal Railway Project will link Thar’s coal mines to Karachi ports and ML-I, strengthening Pakistan’s energy supply chain.
Abbasi announced that Pakistan is developing a new freight service to Belarus, connecting through Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. The country is also pursuing new partnerships with Central Asian states to expand rail connectivity.
Regional Connectivity and Future Vision
The minister said Pakistan’s rail network is being reimagined to promote regional integration through digitisation, infrastructure upgrades, and private sector collaboration.
“Connectivity is the foundation of prosperity,” Abbasi remarked, stressing that cross-border rail links will help build a connected, developed, and peaceful region.
He concluded that Pakistan Railways’ modernisation aligns with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and supports a shared vision for global transport advancement.
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