Railways launches digital transformation drive

1,700km fibre optic network, GPS tracking planned

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Railways is moving ahead with a major technology-driven transformation under an ambitious digitisation programme featuring a 1,700-kilometre fibre optic network and smart railway systems aimed at modernising operations, freight management and passenger services across the country.

According to official project documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the initiative forms part of Pakistan Railways' Railway Advance Infrastructure Network (RAIN), described as the first major revenue-focused digitization project in the department's history, said a press release.

The programme aims to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem for railway operations and introduce advanced technologies across multiple operational areas. Under the project, Pakistan Railways plans to establish a 1,700km fiber optic backbone for digital operations.

Out of 1,700km, around 700km will comprise railway-owned fiber infrastructure, while another 1,000km will be developed in collaboration with Frontier Works Organization (FWO) under a strategic partnership arrangement. The project also includes bandwidth transmission through public-private partnership mechanisms.

The digital transformation programme will also introduce Pakistan Railways' first complete digital manifest system covering its 78-year operational history. Freight operations are expected to undergo full digitization, improving tracking, documentation and operational efficiency.

Documents show that Pakistan Railways plans to introduce GPS-based tracking systems for locomotives and rolling stock to strengthen monitoring and operational management.