The Ministry of Railways has undertaken a series of measures to strengthen freight and passenger services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, with a focus on improving connectivity, facilitating trade and providing economical transportation facilities.
“A state-of-the-art dry port has been established at Azakhel in Peshawar Railway Division to cater to the business requirements for bulk transportation of goods between Peshawar and other parts of the country,” an official in the Ministry told APP.
He said the brake vans and luggage vans attached to major trains are also facilitating farmers and small traders in transporting vegetables, fruits, dairy products and other small consignments at economical rates.
The official said the regular freight services are operating from Balochistan for transportation of minerals, livestock feed and agricultural products to Karachi and other markets across the country.
He said continuous improvements in digital ticketing, complaint management systems, station facilities and onboard services were providing safer, more comfortable and economical travel options to railway passengers, including those in KP and Balochistan.
At present, he said four Mail/Express trains are operating from Peshawar, connecting the city with different parts of the country.
Similarly, two Mail/Express trains are running from Quetta, linking Balochistan with Peshawar and Karachi.
He said the ministry intends to engage with the provincial governments of KP and Balochistan to introduce additional passenger services, in line with the expansion plans being pursued in other provinces.
The official said the department has set a direction of self-reliance and growth by increasing Pakistan Railways’ market share from 8 percent to 30 percent, improving service delivery, ensuring sustainable operations, expanding its network and promoting regional connectivity.
“To achieve these objectives, a four-pronged strategy is being implemented, focusing on financial sustainability, governance and growth, private-sector participation, and leveraging technology and innovation,” he added.
He said the implementation of the strategy has produced encouraging results, with Pakistan Railways recording its highest-ever revenue of Rs94 billion during the financial year 2024-25.
