Railways set for tech revolution with a 1,700-km fiber network

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways is set for a major technology-driven transformation as it moves ahead with an ambitious digitization programme involving a 1,700-kilometre fiber optic network and a range of smart railway systems aimed at modernizing operations, freight management and passenger services nationwide.

According to official project documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the initiative forms part of Pakistan Railways’ Railway Advance Infrastructure Network (RAIN), described as the first major revenue-focused digitization project in the department’s history, said a press release.

The programme aims to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem for railway operations and introduce advanced technologies across multiple operational areas.

Under the project, Pakistan Railways plans to establish a 1,700km fiber optic backbone for digital operations. Of this, around 700km will comprise railway-owned fiber infrastructure, while another 1,000km will be developed in collaboration with Frontier Works Organization (FWO) under a strategic partnership arrangement. The project also includes bandwidth transmission through public-private partnership mechanisms.

The digital transformation programme will also introduce Pakistan Railways’ first complete digital manifest system covering its 78-year operational history. Freight operations are expected to undergo full digitization, improving tracking, documentation and operational efficiency.

Documents show that Pakistan Railways plans to introduce GPS-based tracking systems for locomotives and rolling stock to strengthen monitoring and operational management. Customized digital software applications are also being developed to support future railway requirements and improve system integration.

The first phase of the programme consists of several projects focused on tracking, surveillance and infrastructure monitoring.

According to project details, approximately 700 railway tracking systems for head and tail monitoring are planned. Around 6,000 rolling stock tracking systems are also expected to be installed for asset monitoring, while nearly 14,000 RFID-based railway tags will be deployed under the programme.