Pakistan seeks US investment under new policy to open rail network to foreign operators

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.

Source : ARAB News