ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is opening parts of its railway network to foreign participation under a new “Track Access Policy,” the railways ministry said on Friday, as Islamabad seeks US investment to modernize aging rail infrastructure and expand regional trade connectivity.
The policy is part of broader efforts by Pakistan to revive its heavily indebted railways sector, improve freight capacity and attract foreign capital into transport infrastructure at a time when the government is pursuing economic reforms and regional connectivity projects. Pakistan has long relied on a state-run rail network that suffers from aging infrastructure, financial losses and declining freight market share.
The announcement regarding the new track access policy came during a meeting between Pakistan’s Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi and US Ambassador Natalie Baker, where both sides discussed bilateral cooperation and potential American investment in railway infrastructure, locomotives, freight systems and transport technology.
“Pakistan Railways is introducing a Track Access Policy for global partners and invited American investors to participate in the sector,” the railways minister said in a statement posted on X.
Under track access systems used internationally, private or foreign operators are allowed to use railway infrastructure owned by the state, typically in exchange for regulated access fees.
The ministry said discussions also focused on expanding cooperation with US companies involved in railway equipment and technology.
“254 American-built locomotives in Pakistan Railways are a shining example of bilateral cooperation,” the minister said.
Pakistani officials also highlighted ongoing regional rail connectivity initiatives linking Central Asia with Pakistan’s southwestern Gwadar port through routes involving Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and the border town of Nokundi.
Islamabad has increasingly promoted such transport corridors as part of broader plans to position Pakistan as a regional trade and transit hub connecting Central Asia, China and the Arabian Sea.
The ministry said the US ambassador assured support for foreign investment in Pakistan Railways and agreed to explore opportunities in railway infrastructure and modern transport technology.
