ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan Railways is embarking on a major technology-driven transformation under an ambitious digitization program with a 1,700 kilometer fiber optic network and smart rail systems aimed at modernizing operations, freight management and passenger services across the country.
According to official project documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the initiative is part of Pakistan Railways’ Railway Advance Infrastructure Network (RAIN), described as the first major revenue-focused digitization project in the department’s history, a press release said.
The program 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 1,700 km fiber optic backbone for digital operations.
Out of 1,700 km, about 700 km will comprise railway-owned fiber infrastructure, while another 1,000 km will be developed in collaboration with the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) under a strategic partnership arrangement. The project also includes bandwidth transmission through public-private partnership mechanisms.
The digital transformation program 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.
