Islamabad, June 11(HS): Pakistan's Rail Minister Hanif Abbasi announced plans to expand rail services to Russia, with work commencing on June 22. He revealed that approximately 200 new trains will be added to the fleet by 2027 to accommodate increasing passenger numbers. The railway is undergoing rapid digitization, supported by an agreement with the Punjab Information Technology Board. Free Wi-Fi services will soon be offered on all trains. Efforts are ongoing to improve punctuality.

Abbasi emphasized that the railway is a strategic asset that cannot be fully outsourced and noted record revenue as of May 31, with expectations for continued growth. Currently, 11 trains and 155 upgraded railway stations are outsourced, along with eight hospitals and 14 schools. Quality standards for food have been established, and an agreement for planting fruit trees along tracks is in place.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar