Pakistan Railways has seen a drastic reduction in its fleet, with nearly 400 passenger and freight trains vanishing over the years, and many of the tracks on which these trains once ran are now occupied or have been damaged. The discontinuation of these trains has led to billions of dollars in additional expenses for the government, particularly in the importation of petroleum products.

According to data obtained by Express News, until 1980, Pakistan Railways operated over 400 passenger and freight trains across the country. However, this number has now dwindled to just 100-110 trains. The closure of these services has had a significant impact on transport infrastructure and the economy.

Despite Pakistan Railways still transporting 40-45 million passengers annually and being the preferred choice for large importers and exporters for goods transport, the sector has received little support from successive governments. While billions of rupees have been invested in building road networks, the expansion of railway tracks, which were initially laid during British colonial rule, has been neglected. In some cases, even the existing tracks have been abandoned or removed.

The closure of trains has led to a devastating reliance on road transport, which has not only deteriorated the country’s infrastructure but also resulted in an additional annual cost of $3 to $4 billion for petroleum imports, as road transport has taken over the load. As a result, the transport mafia has been able to establish a monopoly.

Today, thousands of passengers are forced to travel on expensive luxury buses from Karachi to Khyber, while goods are transported in large containers by road, which increases environmental pollution and the country’s fuel expenses. If the railways were developed, experts believe Pakistan could save $3 to $4 billion annually.

Between 1980 and 1985, Pakistan Railways was able to handle 70% of the country’s transport load, which significantly reduced fuel imports and helped keep the environment cleaner. However, the focus on road infrastructure has caused severe damage to air quality and added to environmental pollution.

Pakistan’s railway network spans 7,791 kilometers, including 1,043 kilometers of double-track and a 225-kilometer electrified network, which has since fallen into disrepair. Despite this, Pakistan Railways still owns 625 stations, with the first railway line laid between Karachi and Kotri in 1861.

The neglect of railways has contributed to Pakistan’s growing budget deficit, with the government now having to pay billions in subsidies to road transport operators. While countries like Japan and Hong Kong generate billions through railways, Pakistan has focused primarily on road construction, leaving the rail sector underfunded.

Pakistan Railways is currently facing an annual loss of 50 to 55 billion rupees in pension payments alone, and despite this, the system remains a potential source of revenue. If properly developed, railways could provide affordable travel for millions of passengers and offer a sustainable mode of goods transport to distant regions.

Director General of Public Relations, Tariq Anwar Supra, explained that the pandemic and floods had exacerbated the challenges faced by the railways. Many trains that were suspended due to these events have yet to be reinstated, but freight transport by rail continues to operate in many regions. Efforts are being made to upgrade railway stations and improve services for passengers.