ISLAMABAD, Aug 3: Pakistan Railways was carrying out regular inspections of its railway infrastructure across the country and has imposed engineering speed restrictions on vulnerable track sections identified during system-wide assessments to ensure safe train operations.

Pakistan Railways has been conducting comprehensive and continuous assessments of railway tracks, bridges, signalling systems and other critical infrastructure across its network as part of a structured mechanism to monitor safety and plan timely rehabilitation, an official told APP.

He said all railway bridges undergo detailed semi-annual and annual inspections to assess their structural condition and ensure the safe movement of trains.

According to the official, Pakistan Railways has completed a system-wide survey covering approximately 11,881 track kilometres and 7,791 route kilometres.

The assessments found that a significant portion of the track infrastructure has exceeded its useful life, with varying levels of over-aged track on both main lines and branch lines.

To maintain passenger safety, engineering speed restrictions have been imposed on vulnerable track sections until rehabilitation and upgradation works are completed, he added.

The official said Pakistan Railways has a well-defined multi-tier inspection and monitoring mechanism under the Way and Works Manual, with divisional field officers carrying out regular inspections and Annual Safety Certificates being issued to certify the fitness of tracks for train operations.

Routine maintenance is financed through revenue funding, while rehabilitation and upgradation projects were being implemented under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and other development initiatives.

Regarding signalling infrastructure, the official said Pakistan Railways operates a mix of mechanical, relay-based and computer-based systems, many of which have become obsolete over time.

He said regular inspections, technical audits and field evaluations have identified the need for phased modernization and rehabilitation of the signalling network.

To address these requirements, Pakistan Railways is implementing projects including the installation of Computer-Based Interlocking (CBI) systems, improvements to communication systems, replacement of obsolete signalling equipment and rehabilitation of associated infrastructure.

The official said the ongoing inspections and assessments form part of a continuous mechanism to monitor infrastructure condition, ensure operational safety and facilitate timely rehabilitation and modernization of Pakistan Railways’ critical assets.

During the current financial year 2025-26, Pakistan Railways has allocated funds for repair, rehabilitation and upgradation of railway infrastructure under the Revenue, Improvement Fund and Welfare Expenditure, and PSDP heads.

The allocation includes approximately Rs2.6 billion under the Revenue head, Rs 421 million under the Improvement Fund and Welfare Expenditure, and Rs 2.274 billion under the PSDP, the official added.