Denmark: PM Orders Swift Railway Track Repairs, Enhanced Passenger Safety

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has ordered swift Pakistan Railways track repairs, declaring passenger safety the top priority of the national railway network. Chairing a review of the Pakistan Railways Transformation Plan in Islamabad, the prime minister directed that all railway development tasks be completed within their stipulated timelines and to the best quality standards.

Following the prime minister’s directives, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has ordered all divisional superintendents to implement the Federal Government Inspector of Railways (FGIR) track-safety recommendations by October 20. The twin push from Islamabad and Lahore signals the government’s determination to modernise the railway system that carries millions of passengers and a growing freight load.

FAKTA: Key Facts

• Prime Minister’s directive: PM Shehbaz Sharif chaired a Pakistan Railways Transformation Plan review in Islamabad on July 20, 2026, ordering timely, high-quality completion of all railway projects.
• Track-safety deadline: Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi ordered divisional superintendents to implement FGIR track-safety recommendations by October 20, 2026.
• Rohri Junction: Upgradation of Rohri Junction to be completed by December 25, 2026; all railway scrap to be disposed of by December 31.
• First-quarter earnings: Pakistan Railways earned Rs26 billion in the first quarter, the minister announced.
• ML-1 progress: Detailed engineering design for the Karachi–Rohri section of Main Line-1 (ML-1) completed; Thar coal rail link (112 km) around 60% complete, targeted for December 2026.
• Weighbridge crackdown: Strict notice taken of overloading at railway weighbridges; immediate action ordered on complaints.
• 72-hour rule: Railways Headquarters directed to respond to demands from divisions within 72 hours.

Passenger Safety Declared Top Priority

PM Shehbaz Sharif described Pakistan Railways as the “lowest-cost and handiest” mode of transport for passengers and freight, stressing that a modern and efficient railway system is essential for the national economy, trade, and regional connectivity. He said safe, timely, and affordable travel facilities for citizens remain the government’s foremost objective.

The prime minister directed officials to present proposals for upgrading the Rohri–Multan section of ML-1, while the Rohri–Nokundi section of ML-3 will be upgraded through the Public Sector Development Programme and bridge financing. He was briefed that international consultants have been hired to support railway reforms and that six major railway stations are being commercialised.

Pakistan Railways Track Repairs: Abbasi’s October 20 Deadline

At a meeting in Lahore, Minister Hanif Abbasi told all divisional superintendents that the FGIR’s recommendations on the condition of railway tracks must be implemented by October 20, leaving no room for delay. The FGIR had presented a detailed briefing on track conditions and the measures required to bring the network up to safety standards.

Abbasi also directed that the rake of any upgraded train must not be changed under any circumstances, and warned against any pressure from encroachers, saying the assistance of NAB and other law-enforcement agencies is being sought for the anti-encroachment operation. He expressed satisfaction over the Rs26 billion first-quarter earnings and praised the administration’s performance.

Freight Push to Strengthen the Economy

The government sees freight as the backbone of a financially viable railway. The prime minister has repeatedly called a robust freight sector fundamental to the strength of Pakistan Railways and its contribution to the economy. Officials are identifying key routes for increased freight capacity, modernising rolling stock, and streamlining logistics to cut transit times.

Plans include moving freight train bookings online to eliminate human interference, upgrading the online passenger booking system, and developing the Rohri–Nokundi corridor — about 500 km of new track and 400 km of upgraded track — with support from the Reko Diq operating company.

Crackdown on Mismanagement

Abbasi took strict notice of overloading at railway weighbridges and ordered immediate action on complaints, protecting both track life and fair freight pricing. He ordered that all scrap lying within the railway system be disposed of by December 31, and directed the headquarters to clear divisional demands within 72 hours.

The minister also stood by railway staff in the anti-encroachment operation, directing them not to succumb to pressure. The government has taken a strict stance on illegal occupancy of railway colonies and banned unrelated or retired persons from staying in railway rest houses.

Conclusion

The combined directives from the prime minister and the railways minister amount to one of the most detailed reform pushes Pakistan Railways has seen in recent years: hard deadlines for track repairs, a clear safety-first mandate, and measurable project milestones through the end of 2026. If the October 20 and December 25 deadlines are met, passengers should see safer tracks and more punctual trains, while freight customers get a more reliable network.

For more on Pakistan’s rail and infrastructure story, see the same report on our main Watan News site. The minister’s track-safety orders are also reported by Daily Business News.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who ordered swift railway track repairs in Pakistan?

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif directed timely repairs and enhanced safety across the network, and Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi set October 20 as the deadline for implementing the FGIR’s track-safety recommendations.

What is the October 20 deadline about?

All divisional superintendents of Pakistan Railways must implement the Federal Government Inspector of Railways’ recommendations on track conditions by October 20, 2026.

How much did Pakistan Railways earn in the first quarter?

Rs26 billion, a figure the railways minister announced while praising the administration’s performance.

What is happening with the ML-1 project?

The detailed engineering design for the Karachi–Rohri section of ML-1 is complete, and officials are preparing proposals to upgrade the Rohri–Multan section.

What other deadlines were announced?

Rohri Junction upgradation by December 25, 2026, disposal of all railway scrap by December 31, and a 72-hour response rule for headquarters on divisional demands.