Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved a strategic roadmap for comprehensive reforms in Pakistan Railways, which includes improvements in services, digitisation, track upgradation and private-sector investment, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.

In a statement, the PMO said PM Shehbaz chaired an important meeting on reforms in Pakistan Railways in Islamabad on Thursday, adding that the prime minister approved the strategic roadmap for comprehensive reforms in the railways sector.

The PMO stated that the meeting was given a detailed briefing on the strategic roadmap and targets for comprehensive reforms in Pakistan Railways.

“The roadmap includes targets to increase market share in both passenger and freight sectors,” the statement said, while highlighting the key points.

“Improvement in railway services, enhancement of network capacity and financial sustainability will be the key pillars of the roadmap,” it added.

Furthermore, the roadmap also includes targets related to “improving the governance system of railways, digitisation, expansion of railway lines, regional connectivity, private-sector participation through public-private partnerships and achieving financial sustainability”.

“The reforms also include the use of modern coaches, provision of facilities for passengers in trains and at stations, upgradation of ML-1, ML-2, ML-3 and other tracks, and right-sizing,” it said.

“Pakistan Railways has immense potential to become a safe and affordable mode of transportation for the public and freight services,” the statement quoted PM Shehbaz as saying.

“Freight services are the backbone of the railway system,” said the premier, directing that the freight sector be promoted on a priority basis and instructing that internationally renowned experts and consultants be hired for the implementation of the railway reforms roadmap.

“Improvement in the railway system will reduce traffic pressure on roads,” PM Shehbaz added.

During the meeting, the prime minister also emphasised that a modern and efficient railway system would help reduce carbon emissions and promote environmentally friendly transport.

“The development of Pakistan Railways will enhance regional connectivity and increase economic activity. Revenue generated through private-sector investment in railway land should be utilised for the improvement of the railway system,” he directed.

Federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Khan Cheema, Hanif Abbasi, Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior officials of relevant institutions attended the meeting.

In January, Abbasi said work on ML-1 railway project is expected to begin in July 2026 from the Karachi Port.

The ML-1 project aims to upgrade and modernise key infrastructure to enhance freight and passenger connectivity from Karachi to Peshawar.

In August 2025, the Senate Standing Committee on Railways had recommended expediting work on the project.