ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has reported its highest-ever annual revenue of Rs115.157 billion for fiscal year 2025-26, marking a 24.19% jump from the previous year.
Yet the financial milestone arrives amid a parallel surge in public concern over frequent derailments, service disruptions, and aging infrastructure — issues widely documented in passenger videos and posts circulating on Facebook and other platforms.
According to official financial documents, the state-owned operator saw across-the-board gains in nearly all key segments. Passenger revenue reached a record Rs50.590 billion, while freight earnings climbed to Rs40.781 billion, up 27.78% year-on-year.
Besides this, Sundry revenue surged nearly 91% to Rs16.401 billion, driven by Rs11.996 billion from property and land, Rs1.966 billion from scrap sales, and Rs2.123 billion from commercial activities.
The figures represent a steep climb from Rs88.792 billion in 2023-24 and Rs92.728 billion in 2024-25. In just two years, total revenue has grown by Rs26.365 billion, or 29.69%.
Financial analysts attribute the gains to administrative reforms, better fiscal discipline, expanded freight operations, and more effective use of commercial assets. Freight revenue alone has grown 45% since 2023-24, rising from Rs31.914 billion to Rs40.781 billion.
Confirming the results, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi said the government’s financial and administrative targets for the department had been met.
“We achieved the targets we set to improve railway finances and management. This is the result of our entire team’s collective effort,” Abbasi said. “Our focus now is on making Pakistan Railways a more modern, efficient, and self-sufficient institution. We are working day and night on a state-of-the-art railway network, modern infrastructure, digitalization, better operations, freight system expansion, and providing passengers with world-class facilities.”
Revenue Gains vs. Ground Realities
Despite the record numbers, commuters and rail advocates point to a stark contrast between the balance sheet and on-track conditions.
Social media feeds continue to carry near-weekly footage of derailments, stalled engines, overcrowded coaches, and delayed services across Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan.
Several high-profile accidents in the past year have reignited debate over track maintenance, outdated signaling systems, and the safety of decades-old rolling stock.
Critics argue that while revenue from freight, land leases, and scrap has bolstered income, core passenger safety and infrastructure upgrades have not kept pace. The surge in sundry revenue — particularly from property and scrap — has raised questions about whether financial growth is coming at the cost of operational investment in tracks, bridges, and locomotives.
The ministry maintains that modernization is underway, with digitalization and infrastructure projects forming the next phase of reforms.
