RAWALPINDI (HRNW): Federal Minister for Railways, Mohammad Hanif Abbasi, while addressing the inauguration of the upgraded Safari Train at Rawalpindi Station, detailed an ambitious roadmap for the revival of Pakistan Railways and highlighted Pakistan’s pivotal diplomatic role in the ongoing US-Iran talks. The Minister announced that a comprehensive railway upgradation program, backed by an investment of approximately $2 billion, is targeted for completion by December 2026.
Railway Reforms and Tourism Innovation
The Minister unveiled several key initiatives aimed at modernizing the rail network and improving passenger experience:
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Safari Train Launch: The Safari Train has been transformed into a premier tourism model, featuring AC coaches, new seating, and family-friendly environments. The route includes curated activities and extended stops for lunch at scenic locations like Attock Khurd to boost local tourism.
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Track and Infrastructure Upgrades: A track upgradation project worth 250 billion PKR is currently underway in the Lahore Division. The broader infrastructure goal aims to reduce travel time between Lahore and Karachi by 5 hours. Furthermore, a new maintenance system for locomotives is being introduced to address long-standing mechanical issues.
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Provincial Partnerships: Collaborative efforts are increasing, with plans to launch DMU trains on nine routes in partnership with the Punjab government under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz. Additionally, the Sindh government is supporting the modernization of Rohri Junction, upgrading the facility for the first time in 150 years.
The “Islamabad Talks”: Pakistan’s Diplomatic Success
In his address, the Minister also spoke extensively about the high-level negotiations between the United States and Iran hosted in Islamabad:
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Mediation and Facilitation: Pakistan has played a central role as a mediator and coordinator, successfully bringing both nations to the negotiating table. The Minister noted that both the US and Iran have lauded Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.
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A Milestone for Peace: The “Islamabad Talks” are being hailed as a major breakthrough for regional stability. Pakistan’s neutral and facilitative stance has been internationally recognized as a cornerstone for establishing long-term peace in the Middle East.
Workforce and Systemic Overhaul
Mohammad Hanif Abbasi acknowledged the resilience of railway workers who maintain operations under challenging conditions. He reaffirmed that comprehensive reforms are being implemented across the mechanical, brake, and locomotive sectors to ensure the safety and efficiency of the rail system, particularly on the Karachi-Rohri stretch, where operations continue despite aging infrastructure.
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