In a major ongoing operation, Pakistan Railways has successfully repossessed 2,826 acres of encroached land, valued at approximately Rs. 21.178 billion. This significant reclamation effort has spanned the last six fiscal years, covering the period from 2020-21 through 2025-26.
The recovery highlights the scale of illegal land occupation the department has faced. Pakistan Railways holds a total of 168,858 acres, but less than three-quarters (70%) are directly used for operational purposes. A portion is leased out, but the remainders have fallen into illegal hands, with 4.97% under private occupation and 2.36% forcibly held by other government departments.
Under the new Property and Land Rules 2023, the department has shifted its land management strategy, focusing on short-term auctions, medium-to-long-term development agreements, and specific non-competitive leases for public benefit projects. This revamped leasing structure has already generated a significant income of Rs. 23.017 billion in just three years.
To combat future encroachment and recover the remaining occupied territory, Pakistan Railways is working closely with provincial administrations and police forces. The process includes issuing legal notices under the 1965 Possession Ordinance, giving current occupiers 14 days to vacate. Furthermore, the department is leveraging technology, with a digitized land management system (PRLMIS) integrated with provincial records and accessible via a mobile app, allowing for precise, real-time tracking of railway land assets.