LAHORE, Pakistan — Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi chaired a high-level strategic meeting at the Pakistan Railways Headquarters on Saturday to overhaul passenger facilities and service standards across the national rail network. Addressing the 5 Ws of the mission, the Minister mandated immediate improvements to seating, hygiene, and security to ensure a more comfortable and safe journey for commuters nationwide.

Modernizing Infrastructure and Hygiene Standards

During a detailed briefing on current operations, Minister Abbasi emphasized the need for uniformity and cleanliness at all major hubs. To achieve this, he directed the immediate installation of standardized benches at railway stations throughout the country.

In a move to professionalize maintenance, the Minister instructed authorities to outsource cleanliness arrangements at all stations, mirroring the successful models currently implemented in Lahore and Karachi. This shift aims to guarantee higher hygiene standards through specialized private sector management.

Strict Deadlines for Train Upgrades

The Federal Minister set firm timelines for the renovation of several key express lines to improve the overall passenger experience. The following upgrades were mandated:

June 30 Deadline: Full upgrades for the Awam Express, Allama Iqbal Express, and Sukkur Express.
Rolling Stock Improvements: Immediate enhancements to the rake of the Hazara Express to provide better travel facilities.

Security Integration: Installation of CCTV cameras in the Green Line, Shalimar Express, and Pak Business Express must be completed by April 15 to bolster onboard monitoring.

Regional Collaboration and Development

Following the internal review, Ali Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Punjab, called on the Federal Minister at the Headquarters. The two officials discussed matters of mutual interest, with Abbasi providing a comprehensive briefing on ongoing Pakistan Railways development projects.

The meeting underscores a coordinated effort between federal and provincial leadership to revitalize the rail sector as a backbone of national transport.