ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan Railways is moving forward with a major technology-driven transformation under an ambitious digitalization program that includes 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 on Wealth Pakistan, the initiative is part of Pakistan Railways’ Railway Advanced Infrastructure Network (RAIN), described as the first major revenue-focused digitalization project in the department’s history, according to a press release.
The program aims to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem for railway operations and introduce advanced technologies in multiple operational areas. Under the project, Pakistan Railways plans to establish a 1,700 kilometer fiber optic backbone network for digital operations.
Of 1,700 kilometers, around 700 kilometers will comprise railway-owned fiber infrastructure, while another 1,000 kilometers will be developed in collaboration with Frontier Works Organization (FWO) under a strategic partnership agreement. The project also includes the transmission of bandwidth through public-private partnership mechanisms.
The digital transformation program will also introduce Pakistan Railways’ first comprehensive digital manifest system spanning its 78 years of operational history. Cargo operations are expected to be fully digitalized, 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 tracking and operational management.
