In a landmark move aimed at enhancing financial discipline and transparency, Pakistan Railways will now transfer all its revenue directly to the national treasury three times a day under a new, fully digitized system established through a historic agreement with the National Police Foundation.

The pact, signed in Islamabad on Tuesday, marks a pivotal step towards modernizing the state-owned enterprise’s financial management. The ceremony was attended by Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, who lauded the initiative as a significant advancement in operational efficiency.

Under this transformative partnership, all income channels of the railway will be integrated into a unified digital framework. Minister Abbasi described the new mechanism as a “model of modern financial discipline,” highlighting that the State Bank of Pakistan and 1LINK will facilitate the swift transfer of funds.

This digital initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of a cashless economy, the minister noted. He emphasized that the electronic payment system would make financial processes more transparent, efficient, and rapid for both the organization and its customers.

For passengers, the new system promises unprecedented convenience. Travelers will be able to purchase tickets seamlessly through a variety of platforms, including ATMs, mobile applications, internet banking, bank branches, and NADRA e-Sahulat centers, using debit cards and QR codes. This is made possible through 1LINK, a consortium connecting 40 banks across the country.

The Chairman of Pakistan Railways hailed the development as a crucial step toward aligning the organization with contemporary technological standards. He stated that the project is expected to substantially improve the railway’s financial performance and elevate its service delivery.

The comprehensive project is a collaborative effort involving the National Police Foundation, the State Bank of Pakistan, 1LINK, and FinNet. Minister Abbasi expressed confidence that the initiative will not only fortify financial accountability but also provide passengers with a modern and frictionless ticketing experience.