ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (Wealth Pakistan) – Pakistan Railways (PR) plans to invest around Rs100 billion in upgrading 19 branch lines across the country to improve passenger safety, ensure reliable service, and strengthen inter-provincial connectivity.
Major Investment for Nationwide Upgradation
Documents available with Wealth Pakistan show that PR will spend Rs98.58 billion on rehabilitating 19 branch lines covering 2,479 kilometres. The project aims to modernize the ageing infrastructure and boost regional trade and passenger mobility.
Out of the total allocation, Rs44.411 billion will be invested in Punjab, Rs35.955 billion in Sindh, and Rs17.217 billion in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). A smaller portion of Rs1 billion is reserved for Balochistan.
Eight Branch Lines to Be Upgraded in Punjab
Eight branch lines in Punjab are part of the plan. These include:
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Shahdara–Narowal (78km) – Rs3,909 million
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Narowal–Sialkot (62km) – Rs3,705 million
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Raiwind–Kasur–Pakpattan (370km) – Rs10,709 million
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Qila Sheikhupura–Jaranwala–Shorkot (220km) – Rs5,669 million
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Shorkot–Jhang–Sargodha (147km) – Rs7,351 million
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Sargodha–Malikwal–Lalamusa (167km) – Rs6,432 million
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Chak Jhumra–Shahinabad (68km) – Rs3,699 million
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Kashmore–Dera Ghazi Khan–Kot Addu (303km) – Rs2,937 million
The rehabilitation work will help restore smoother and safer travel across Punjab’s key regional routes.
Sindh to Receive Six Upgraded Lines
In Sindh, six branch lines will be rehabilitated:
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Kotri–Dadu (181km) – Rs2,950 million
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Dadu–Habib Kot (166km) – Rs8,217 million
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Hyderabad–Mirpur Khas–Marvi (200km) – Rs10,333 million
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Rohri–Jacobabad (87km) – Rs5,000 million
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Jacobabad–Kashmore (124km) – Rs3,500 million
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Hyderabad–Badin (100km) – Rs5,955 million
The upgrade will strengthen connectivity between rural and industrial areas of Sindh, enabling faster cargo and passenger movement.
Four Routes in KP and One in Balochistan
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, four branch lines will be improved:
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Jahangira Road–Peshawar (62km) – Rs3,982 million
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Nowshera–Dargai (65km) – Rs6,197 million
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Mardan–Charsadda (28km) – Rs2,818 million
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Peshawar–Jamrud (18km) – Rs4,217 million
In Balochistan, one 33km route will be upgraded at a cost of Rs1 billion. This will ensure greater inclusion of the province in the national rail network.
Modern Features and Digital Transformation
A senior railway official told Wealth Pakistan that the initiative marks a turning point in reviving Pakistan’s rail infrastructure after years of neglect and underinvestment.
“The plan includes track rehabilitation, upgraded signalling systems, and the introduction of modern coaches with improved safety features,” the official said.
He added that the digital ticketing system and real-time train tracking would enhance transparency and passenger convenience, making travel smoother and more accessible.
Boost for Trade, Connectivity, and Economy
The official noted that the upgraded lines will not only improve travel experience but also play a major role in economic growth. An efficient railway system can lower transportation costs, support trade, and reduce the heavy load on road networks.
By improving safety, reliability, and modernization, Pakistan Railways hopes to regain public trust and make train travel a preferred option for millions of passengers nationwide.