Karachi Division Drives Gains as Record-Breaking Income Points to Recovery, but Full Revival Remains Elusive
LAHORE:
Pakistan Railways has reported record revenue of Rs83 billion during the first eleven months of the current financial year (FY25), reflecting a 7.8% increase compared to the same period last year.
A spokesperson for the Railways said this was the highest revenue figure recorded by the organization for any comparable eleven-month stretch. Federal Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi called the accomplishment “historic,” saying: “With hard work and dedication, we will restore Pakistan Railways to its former glory.”
The revenue breakdown shows passenger services bringing in Rs42 billion, while freight services added Rs29 billion. An additional Rs12 billion came from property leases and commercial ventures.
Regional performance varied considerably, with Karachi Division leading the way—earning Rs13 billion from passenger services and a robust Rs25 billion from freight. Lahore Division posted Rs10 billion in passenger revenue but under Rs1 billion from freight. Meanwhile, Rawalpindi and Multan Divisions each earned Rs4 billion from passenger services, for a combined Rs8 billion.
This year’s performance marks a significant improvement from last year’s Rs77 billion revenue over the same period. With one month remaining in the financial year, Pakistan Railways appears on track to exceed its full-year revenue target of Rs88 billion.
Despite the revenue boost, Pakistan Railways continues to face longstanding challenges. Decades-old infrastructure, frequent service disruptions, and safety concerns have contributed to a decline in public confidence. Many tracks and bridges date back to the colonial era, resulting in speed restrictions and operational delays. The organization still operates at a substantial loss once the full costs of infrastructure maintenance are considered.
While the Rs83 billion revenue milestone highlights better financial management and operational gains, industry experts caution that it signals recovery rather than transformation. Comprehensive investment in modernizing infrastructure, improving service reliability, and tackling debt issues remain essential for Pakistan Railways to achieve true revitalization.
“This revenue record brings optimism,” said one analyst, “but the real work to turn Pakistan Railways into a modern, dependable, and profitable national transport system has only just begun.”
