Railways steps up safety measures, launches infrastructure modernization drive

Pakistan Railways has initiated a wide-ranging set of measures aimed at enhancing passenger safety, preventing accidents and modernizing its aging infrastructure

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th May, 2026) Pakistan Railways has initiated a wide-ranging set of measures aimed at enhancing passenger safety, preventing accidents and modernizing its aging infrastructure.

"The regular training programmes, refresher courses, safety seminars and workshops are being conducted at divisional levels as well as at the Railway Academy to improve the skills and safety awareness of operational staff," an official told APP.

He said the initiatives are designed to strengthen the overall safety culture within the department.

To ensure strict adherence to safety protocols, inspections are being carried out by officers and senior staff in line with prescribed quotas.

Additionally, Safety Bulletins and a monthly advisory titled “Rule of the Month” are being circulated regularly to guide employees on operational best practices, he said.

He said that as part of ongoing accident-prevention efforts, authorities have intensified inspections of level crossings.

Out of 536 identified vulnerable unmanned crossings across the network, 168 have already been upgraded, while work on the remaining sites is in progress with support from provincial governments, he added.

The official emphasized that disciplinary action is being taken against personnel found responsible for accidents, reinforcing accountability and compliance with safety standards.

Alongside safety improvements, he said Pakistan Railways has also launched a comprehensive strategy to modernize its infrastructure.

Key focus areas include track safety enhancement, rehabilitation of weak and critical bridges, upgrading of branch lines, modernization of railway stations, and strengthening international rail connectivity.

Under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), several major track rehabilitation and upgradation projects are currently underway.

These include safety works on key sections such as Rohri–Khanpur, Rohri–Sibi, Tando Adam–Rohri, Kiamari–Hyderabad, and Khanewal–Shorkot–Faisalabad–Qila Sheikhupura–Shahdara. Other projects include rehabilitation of the Kotri–Akhundabad track, reconstruction of Railway Bridge No. 4 on the Shahdara–Sangla Hill section, and improvement of the Samma Satta–Bahawalnagar line.

In collaboration with provincial governments, Pakistan Railways is also working to upgrade important branch lines across Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The initiative aims to introduce Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) to provide safer, more reliable, and comfortable travel for passengers.

The official said that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Punjab is in its final stages, with Rs1.2 billion allocated for feasibility studies in the 2025–26 financial year.

He said on the passenger services front, efforts are underway to upgrade railway stations nationwide.

The official said the improvements include modern waiting areas, enhanced ticketing systems, digital information displays, Wi-Fi facilities, better sanitation, and improved accessibility features, particularly for elderly and differently-abled passengers.