'67 per cent of existing PR track overaged'

Pakistan Railways has embarked on an extensive upgrade drive to modernise its aging infrastructure, expand the network and revive long-neglected sections, amid official acknowledgement that nearly 67 per cent of the existing track has become overaged.

"The department owns a total of 11,881 track kilometers and 7,791 route kilometers across the country," an official in the Ministry of Railways said.

"Nearly 67 percent of the existing track has become overaged," he added.

Despite limited investment in railway infrastructure for more than seven decades, the official said, Pakistan Railways continued to maintain operations to ensure sustainable service delivery.

The official said the ministry has recognized the deteriorating condition of railway tracks and is making substantial efforts to improve infrastructure.