ISLAMABAD, Apr 06: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Monday chaired a meeting to review a wide-ranging digital transformation plan for Pakistan Railways, including real-time tracking of locomotives and assets, smart surveillance and passenger-focused services.
Senior officials of the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), including its chief technical officer and chief operating officer, briefed the minister on progress under the Railways Advanced Infrastructure Network (RAIN) Phase-I — a key component of the department’s modernisation drive.
Officials said a locomotive tracking system comprising around 700 devices was being introduced to enable end-to-end monitoring of train movements.
In parallel, a rolling stock tracking system involving about 6,000 devices, along with the installation of 14,000 RFID tag devices, would allow closer oversight of railway assets and operations.
The briefing also covered the establishment of modern control rooms at the railway headquarters and across all divisions, provision of free Wi-Fi for passengers, and deployment of a smart surveillance system in major cities in the initial phase, including Karachi, Lahore and Sukkur.
A real-time fuel monitoring system is also part of the initiative, aimed at improving operational efficiency and transparency.
Separately, officials apprised the minister of digital systems being introduced in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). An advanced attendance management system is expected to become fully operational within a week, with the aim of ensuring discipline and transparency in staff attendance.
The meeting was further informed that an e-inspection regime is being launched to enable real-time monitoring of field operations. The system is expected to bring significant improvements in inspection processes and asset management.
According to officials, all major digital projects being executed with FWO’s support are likely to be completed within the current financial year, after which Pakistan Railways’ operational framework would be substantially upgraded.
Speaking on the occasion, Abbasi said the reforms were aligned with the prime minister’s vision to transform Pakistan Railways into a modern, efficient and internationally competitive transport system.
He said the digitalisation drive would not only enhance institutional performance but also strengthen transparency, accountability and passenger services.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to developing Pakistan Railways into a safe, reliable and modern mode of transport capable of supporting the country’s economic growth.
