Punjab Takes Charge of Staffing 177 Unmanned Railway Crossings with Rs9.7 Billion Plan

LAHORE: The Punjab government has committed to staffing 177 unmanned railway level crossings across the province, with an initial allocation of Rs9.7 billion. The initiative forms part of broader collaboration with Pakistan Railways on passenger facilitation, including the launch of train services on eight local routes.

The development was disclosed during a meeting at the Railways Headquarters between Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

The two sides reviewed measures to enhance public transport, modernise railway infrastructure, and strengthen provincial–federal coordination under a memorandum of understanding signed in April this year.

A central decision from the meeting was Punjab’s undertaking to convert all 177 unmanned level crossings in the province into manned crossings.

Officials stated that around Rs9.7 billion would be dedicated to the project, which is expected to improve safety for road users and pedestrians and substantially reduce accidents.

Progress on a proposal to operate diesel multiple unit (DMU) train services on eight Punjab routes was also reviewed. The MoU for the scheme is being finalised, and survey work has already begun.

The meeting further addressed improving the environment around railway assets. Funds have been earmarked to develop parks near railway installations, including a plan for 40 parks along the Shahdara–Raiwind corridor as part of urban beautification and ecological improvement.

Minister Abbasi welcomed Punjab’s support, noting that upgrading the crossings would enhance public safety by cutting accident rates.

Under the April MoU signed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Minister Abbasi, the provincial government pledged financial backing to Pakistan Railways for a fast train between Lahore and Rawalpindi and other local services to transform regional rail transport.

The plan includes Pakistan’s first fast train on the Lahore–Rawalpindi corridor, covering roughly 280 kilometres in two hours and 15 minutes. Fast and regional services will also expand across about 1,415 kilometres in 20 regions and eight key local routes.

In July 2020, Pakistan Railways had urged the then provincial government to staff unmanned crossings promptly or face closure, after a rise in accidents including a fatal collision near Farooqabad that killed 20 Sikh pilgrims.

In December 2020, the PR Lahore Division closed 56 unmanned crossings and sealed 67 unauthorised shops in Lahore’s Gulberg and Cantonment areas, along with 162 at Renala Khurd and 14 on GT Road, Lahore.

Published in Dawn, July 18th, 2026

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