Govt making all-out efforts to modernize railway sector: Hanif Abbasi

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Jul, 2026) Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi on Friday said the government is making all-out efforts to modernize Pakistan's railway sector by focusing on infrastructure development, public-private partnerships, and joint ventures.

Speaking to a state-run news channel, the minister said the government is prioritizing collaboration with the private sector to ensure the timely and effective completion of railway projects.

He said comprehensive measures are being taken to upgrade railway tracks across the country to improve operational efficiency and significantly reduce travel time on major routes, particularly between Lahore and Rawalpindi.

Highlighting efforts to strengthen local manufacturing, he said Pakistan Railways is producing railway coaches domestically with the assistance of China. He also said that the department plans to procure 80 power plants to enhance the railway system's operational capacity.

Responding to another question, the minister said the government remains committed to reducing electricity and gas costs to support the agriculture and industrial sectors, describing affordable energy as one of the government's top priorities.