ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Railways on Tuesday reviewed the Ministry of Railways’ ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects and identified major operational challenges for the fiscal year 2024–25.
The committee, chaired by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, was informed that 38 projects worth Rs 260.085 billion were undertaken in the current fiscal year. Six projects have been completed, while 32 have been carried forward to fiscal year 2025–26.
Officials said the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project, running from Karachi to Rohri, is considered critical for the planned Reko Diq and Thar coal projects. The ML-1’s total estimated cost is Rs 2,298.18 billion, and a proposal has been submitted for an allocation of Rs 75 billion in the 2025–26 budget to begin implementation.
Twelve additional projects, including track expansion, safety improvements, rehabilitation, and feasibility studies, require a combined allocation of Rs 11.076 billion in the next fiscal year, the committee was told.
Committee members expressed support for the Ministry’s new phased implementation strategy and urged timely completion to prevent cost overruns. They directed the Ministry to ensure the provision of modern, high-quality rail services.
The committee also requested a detailed report on delayed projects at its next session.
Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique called on provincial governments to contribute to railway projects in their respective areas, citing financial constraints. He added that the Ministry plans to upgrade railway-run schools and hospitals nationwide.
In response to a question about land encroachments, the minister said an anti-encroachment campaign had been launched to reclaim illegally occupied railway land.
Officials informed the committee that Pakistan has developed locomotives and coaches capable of speeds exceeding 160 km/h, but current track infrastructure does not support high-speed operations. The committee directed the Ministry to carry out a feasibility study on upgrading the national rail network for high-speed trains.
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