LAHORE, May 24 (ABC): Pakistan Railways is moving towards a major technology-driven transformation through a large-scale digitization programme featuring a 1,700-kilometre fiber optic network and several smart systems designed to modernise railway operations, freight management and passenger services across the country.
Pakistan Railways launches digital transformation programme
According to official project documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the initiative falls under Pakistan Railways’ Railway Advance Infrastructure Network (RAIN). Officials describe it as the first major revenue-focused digitization programme in the department’s history.
The programme aims to build a comprehensive digital ecosystem and introduce modern technologies to improve operational performance and efficiency.
Under the project, Pakistan Railways plans to establish a 1,700km fiber optic backbone to support digital operations nationwide.
Of the total network, approximately 700km will consist of railway-owned fiber infrastructure. Another 1,000km will be developed through a strategic partnership with Frontier Works Organization (FWO). The project also includes bandwidth transmission through public-private partnership arrangements.
Freight operations to become fully digital
The modernization programme will introduce Pakistan Railways’ first complete digital manifest system covering its 78-year operational history.
Officials expect freight operations to become fully digitized, improving cargo tracking, documentation and operational efficiency.
Pakistan Railways also plans to deploy GPS-based tracking systems for locomotives and rolling stock to improve monitoring and asset management.
Customized digital software solutions are under development to support future railway requirements and improve system integration.
Smart tracking and monitoring systems planned
The first phase of the programme includes projects focused on surveillance, infrastructure monitoring and tracking systems.
According to project documents, Pakistan Railways plans to install around 700 railway tracking systems for head and tail monitoring.
The programme also includes approximately 6,000 rolling stock tracking systems for asset monitoring and nearly 14,000 RFID-based railway tags.
Additional measures include rail and road weigh-in-motion systems, RFID checkpoints at workshops and locomotive sheds, and video wall-based control rooms to improve operational oversight.
Several components of the project are already at implementation and survey stages.
Passenger services to receive technology upgrades
Passenger-focused improvements also form part of the broader digitization strategy.
Pakistan Railways plans to establish public WiFi hotspots at selected locations and install smart surveillance systems and real-time fuel monitoring sensors to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
Project timelines show that implementation activities under Phase-I will continue throughout 2026 as Pakistan Railways gradually shifts from pilot projects to large-scale installation and deployment.
Officials expect the modernization programme to support better connectivity, improve data-driven decision-making and create future-ready railway operations across Pakistan.
