History, Routes, Services & National Importance
Pakistan Railways is the state-owned railway organization of Pakistan, operating under the Ministry of Railways. It serves as one of the most important modes of transportation in the country, connecting major cities, towns, industrial zones, and remote areas. Pakistan Railways plays a vital role in passenger mobility, freight transportation, and national integration.
The railway system in Pakistan has its roots in the British colonial era. The first railway line in the region was laid in 1861 between Karachi and Kotri. At the time of independence in 1947, Pakistan inherited approximately 8,000 kilometers of railway tracks. Over the decades, Pakistan Railways expanded its network to support economic growth and national development.
Pakistan Railways is a backbone of the national transport system. It provides affordable travel options to millions of passengers every year and supports industries by transporting raw materials, fuel, agricultural produce, and imported goods. Rail transport is considered more economical and environmentally friendly compared to road transport for long distances.
Pakistan Railways operates several major routes across the country. The most important is the Main Line-1 (ML-1), which connects Karachi with Peshawar via Lahore and Rawalpindi. Other key routes include Karachi–Quetta, Lahore–Faisalabad, and Rohri–Chaman. These routes are crucial for both passenger and freight movement.
Passenger services include express trains, mail trains, intercity services, and economy-class trains that cater to daily commuters. Freight services focus on transporting coal, cement, petroleum products, containers, and food items. While passenger trains support public mobility, freight operations significantly contribute to national revenue.