Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a strategic roadmap for comprehensive reforms in Pakistan Railways.

Chairing a meeting in Islamabad today, he instructed that internationally renowned experts and consultants be engaged to ensure effective implementation of the reforms roadmap for Pakistan Railways.

The meeting was given a detailed briefing on the strategic roadmap, which includes targets for increasing market share in both passenger and freight segments.

Improved service quality, enhanced network capacity, and financial sustainability are the key pillars of the reform plan.

The roadmap also includes measures to improve railway governance, promote digitization, expand railway lines, strengthen regional connectivity, increase private sector participation through public-private partnerships, and ensure financial stability.

The use of modern coaches, provision of better passenger facilities on trains and at stations, upgradation of ML-1, ML-2, ML-3 and other railway tracks, and right-sizing measures are also part of the reform agenda.

The Prime Minister directed that private sector investment in Pakistan Railways be encouraged through public-private partnerships.

He said improving the railway system would help reduce traffic congestion on roads, emphasizing that a modern and efficient railway network would contribute to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmentally friendly transportation.

Shehbaz Sharif said the development of Pakistan Railways would strengthen regional connectivity and boost economic activity.

The Prime Minister further directed that revenue generated through private sector investment on railway lands be utilized for the improvement of the railway system.