Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi held a high-level meeting with the Chief Technical Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Frontier Works Organization (FWO), where a comprehensive briefing was given on the ongoing digital transformation of Pakistan Railways.
The meeting reviewed key initiatives under Railway Advanced Infrastructure Network (RAIN) Phase-I, marking a historic step towards digitization. It was highlighted that a modern locomotive tracking system comprising 700 devices is being introduced to ensure complete monitoring of train movements. Additionally, a rolling stock tracking system with 6,000 devices and the deployment of 14,000 RFID tags will significantly enhance asset visibility and operational efficiency.
Progress on the establishment of modern control rooms at Railway Headquarters and across all divisions was also reviewed. The meeting was further briefed on the provision of free public Wi-Fi for passengers, deployment of smart surveillance systems—initially at Karachi, Lahore, and Sukkur stations—and the implementation of a real-time fuel monitoring system aimed at ensuring transparency and cost efficiency.
The Federal Minister was also briefed on digital reforms being introduced in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). These include an advanced attendance management system, which is expected to become fully operational within the coming week, ensuring improved transparency and discipline in workforce management.
Furthermore, an e-inspection regime is being introduced, with a real-time inspection system nearing completion. This initiative is set to bring a transformative change in inspection practices and asset management across Pakistan Railways by enabling timely monitoring and improved governance.
It was informed that all digital projects, being executed in collaboration with FWO, are expected to be completed within the current fiscal year, leading to a comprehensive system upgrade of Pakistan Railways.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernizing Pakistan Railways in line with the Prime Minister’s vision. He emphasized that these digital initiatives will not only enhance operational efficiency and transparency but will also significantly improve passenger services.
He further stated that Pakistan Railways is entering a new era of modernization—one that is digital, accountable, and aligned with international standards—ensuring a safer, more reliable, and passenger-centric railway system for the country.
