Minister for improving train punctuality

LAHORE:Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, chaired a meeting at the Pakistan Railways Headquarters here. A detailed briefing on railway infrastructure and a performance review of various divisions were presented.

The minister issued several key directives, including the immediate commencement of work on the Kemari–Hyderabad section, and accelerating track rehabilitation projects across the country. A one-year deadline was set for removing engineering restrictions on the Main Line-1 (ML-1), which will help to reduce travel time for trains. The project director was tasked with preparing railway sleepers within six months, and the administration was instructed to complete a two-year project within one year. Four tamping machines are to be made operational by the end of the year. The minister emphasised that the railway administration should follow the development model of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who completed three-year projects in Punjab within a year.

Additional decisions included increasing revenue through freight trains, improving the online booking system for passenger trains, and introducing online booking for freight services to eliminate human interference. The minister also imposed a strict ban on unauthorised occupants and retired officials residing in railway rest houses and requested a list of such individuals. He set a target for improving train punctuality to 90–95% within three months and stated that he would personally monitor the schedule, with no delays tolerated, even for the minister himself.

Further steps outlined included enhancing cleanliness and food quality on trains, conducting monthly performance reviews of all Divisional Superintendents (DSs), and carrying out unannounced visits to stations and offices. The installation of elevators at major railway stations was also discussed, starting with Rawalpindi. Support from the chief minister was noted for reconnecting remote areas through branch line restoration. The minister announced anti-encroachment operations in Punjab and Sindh, which would eventually expand nationwide, coordinated with district administrations. Additionally, divisions were instructed to submit details on leased railway land and a report on its commercial potential. The meeting concluded with a clear message: railways must become efficient, transparent, and serve the general public with renewed energy and purpose.