Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi officially inaugurated the revamped Safari train service at the Rawalpindi Railway Station on Sunday, marking a significant step in the government’s efforts to modernize Pakistan Railways. The upgraded service is designed as a specialized recreational model, featuring modern air-conditioned coaches, high-comfort seating, and a family-oriented atmosphere.
To enhance the traveler experience, the train includes curated stopovers and lunch facilities at scenic destinations like Attock Khurd, blending transport with regional tourism.
The Minister emphasized that these reforms are part of a broader $2 billion infrastructure overhaul aimed at completing a comprehensive system upgrade by December 2026. Key projects currently underway include track improvements in the Lahore Division and a collaborative effort to reduce the Karachi-Lahore travel time by five hours. Additionally, the government is partnering with provincial authorities to introduce DMU trains on nine routes and modernize the historic Rohri junction.
Addressing the workforce, Minister Abbasi praised the resilience of railway employees and noted that a new maintenance regime is being implemented to fix long-standing mechanical and locomotive issues. With occupancy rates on the rise, the ministry is focusing on mobilizing field officers to ensure operational excellence and revitalizing the freight sector to strengthen the national economy.
