Key Takeaways
- Around 60% of the Thar Coal Railway Connectivity Project has been completed.
- The project is expected to be finished by December 2026, according to Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi.
- Minister Abbasi emphasises the importance of modernising Pakistan's railway infrastructure.
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has announced that approximately 60% of the Thar Coal Railway Connectivity Project is now complete. Speaking at a roundtable conference organised by Uraan Pakistan Forum, Abbasi stated that the project will be fully operational by December 2026.
Abbasi highlighted the government's commitment to upgrading railway tracks and modernising infrastructure, transforming Pakistan Railways into a financially sustainable and technology-driven organisation. He described the revival and modernisation of the railway system as crucial for national economic growth, not just a transport initiative.
The minister pointed out that a significant portion of Pakistan’s railway network is still operating on tracks that have exceeded their economic and technical lifespan. Decades of underinvestment have negatively impacted railway infrastructure, he said. Abbasi stressed the need for rapid action to improve connectivity and support economic growth, noting that neighbouring countries had invested heavily in railway development over the past two decades.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Railways has prepared a comprehensive Strategic Roadmap 2033, focusing on the implementation of ML-1 and ML-3 projects, regional connectivity, digital transformation, and modern railway infrastructure. Pakistan Railways is also introducing advanced technologies such as digital ticketing, smart stations, train-tracking systems, enterprise resource planning solutions, command and control centres, and other measures to enhance operational efficiency, passenger services, and financial performance.
Timely funding was identified by Abbasi as essential for completing the railway projects. He urged that investment in the railway sector should be viewed as an investment in Pakistan’s future rather than merely an expenditure. The minister emphasised the importance of modernising the railway system to support economic growth and improve connectivity across the country.
The Thar Coal Rail Link Project is part of a broader strategy to develop infrastructure, which includes regional connectivity and digital transformation. Abbasi stressed that these initiatives are vital for Pakistan’s future development and economic prosperity.
