RAWALPINDI / ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has launched a major plan to digitise its railway network, which is expected to be completed by June 2026.
The Directorate of IT gave a detailed briefing during a meeting chaired by Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi. The briefing focused on progress and future plans under the Railway Advanced Infrastructure Network (RAIN) Project Phase I.
Officials informed the minister that RAIN Phase I, the largest digitisation project in the history of Pakistan Railways, will be carried out by the department itself and completed by June 2026. The project will be funded entirely from Pakistan Railways’ own revenue, showing its financial self-reliance.
Key features of Phase I include GPS tracking for all trains and locomotives and the development of safe and smart railway stations in major cities. These stations will be designed on the model of the upgraded Rawalpindi railway station.
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The project also aims to provide high-speed internet at selected railway stations. Command and control centres will be set up at the Pakistan Railways headquarters in Lahore and at all divisional offices.
In addition, about 1,700 kilometres of the ML-1 railway track will be connected through fibre optic cables to allow real-time monitoring and better decision-making.
Minister Hanif Abbasi said the RAIN Project will help reduce train delays and accidents, improve passenger facilities, and increase overall efficiency. He added that the new command and control system will ensure quick and effective responses during emergencies.
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He said the project is an important step towards modernising Pakistan Railways and making it safer, more efficient and passenger-friendly.
Senate panel
Meanwhile, the Senate Standing Committee on Railways on Monday elected Senator Shahadat Awan as its new chairman. The election was held during a committee meeting at the Parliament House. Senators Shahadat Awan, Ashraf Ali Jatoi, Dost Ali Jeesar, Rubina Khalid and Nasir Mahmood attended the meeting.
Senator Dost Ali Jeesar proposed Senator Awan’s name for the post, which was seconded by Senator Ashraf Ali Jatoi. The committee unanimously elected Senator Shahadat Awan as chairman.
