Rawalpindi railway station to be upgraded

Official says overhaul to transform Victorian-era platform

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Railways is gearing up for an upgrade and commercialisation of the Rawalpindi Railway Station, a historical structure from the Victorian era.

The purpose of this overhaul is to enhance passenger convenience and transform it into a business centre, capitalising on its strategic location at the heart of business activities.

A Railways Ministry official revealed that the station, built over a century ago in British architectural style, holds great potential for commercial viability, promising substantial revenue for all stakeholders.

He said the decision emerged during a meeting that focused on the plans for upgrading and commercialising Rawalpindi Railway Station.

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The plan envisions the commercialisation of approximately 100 kanals of land adjacent to Jinnah Road while retaining the historic Victorian-era building with its 'Indo-Saracenic' architecture.

“The main structure of Rawalpindi Railway Station comprises three sections including the freight section, the passenger section, and main offices.” Adjacent to the main building, the Railway Club building and police station are located, with three separate entrances.

The government has allocated Rs50 million in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) over the last three years for the renovation and upgrading of railway stations throughout the country. The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved the renovation projects, and thus far, six railway stations have been upgraded.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2023.