Pakistan Railways, PITB set to introduce digital reforms in railway

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways (PR), in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), is all set to introduce digital reforms, including an advanced attendance management system, which is expected to become fully operational within the coming week. The move is aimed at ensuring greater transparency and discipline in workforce management.

This was announced by Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi here on Monday while chairing a high-level meeting with the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) and Chief Operating Officer of Frontier Works Organisation (FWO).

The meeting reviewed key initiatives under Railway Advanced Infrastructure Network (RAIN) Phase-I, marking a historic step towards digitization.

The digital transformation plan for PR also includes real-time tracking of locomotives and assets, smart surveillance, and passenger-focused services. Furthermore, an e-inspection regime is being introduced, with a real-time inspection system nearing completion.

The FWO is working on Railway’s Advanced Infrastructure Network (RAIN) Phase-I, which includes implementing a comprehensive locomotive tracking system, rolling stock tracking (6,000 devices), and the installation of 14,000 RFID tags for asset management.

It was highlighted that a modern locomotive tracking system comprising 700 devices is being introduced to ensure complete monitoring of train movements. Progress on the establishment of modern control rooms at Railway Headquarters and across all divisions was also reviewed. The meeting was further briefed on the provision of free public Wi-Fi for passengers, deployment of smart surveillance systems initially at Karachi, Lahore, and Sukkur stations, and the implementation of a real-time fuel monitoring system aimed at ensuring transparency and cost efficiency.

This initiative is set to bring a transformative change in inspection practices and asset management across Pakistan Railways by enabling timely monitoring and improved governance. It was informed that all digital projects, being executed in collaboration with FWO, are expected to be completed within the current fiscal year, leading to a comprehensive system upgrade of Pakistan Railways.

Abbasi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernizing Pakistan Railways in line with the Prime Minister’s vision. He emphasised that these digital initiatives will not only enhance operational efficiency and transparency but will also significantly improve passenger services.

He further stated that Pakistan Railways is entering a new era of modernization that is digital, accountable, and aligned with international standards, ensuring a safer, more reliable, and passenger-centric railway system for the country.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026