Lahore: A new analysis of Pakistan’s transportation trends reveals a significant shift from rail to road over the past five decades, with registered vehicles in Punjab increasing by 110 times while railway passenger numbers have dropped by 77%. This marks a transition in the country’s mobility landscape, highlighting a move towards road-based transport solutions.
According to Gilani Research Foundation, the data, which forms part of Gallup Pakistan’s Big Data series, illustrates a fundamental change in transportation patterns. Between 1972 and 2021, the number of registered vehicles in Punjab rose from 101,183 to over 11.1 million. In contrast, Pakistan Railways saw a stark decline in passenger numbers, falling from 124 million to 28.4 million during the same period. The data, sourced from the Punjab Development Statistics for 50 Years, underscores a long-term trend away from mass rail transport toward road-based, private, and semi-private mobility.
The findings indicate a contraction in Pakistan Railways’ operational scale, with the locomotive fleet decreasing by 54% and passenger volumes reducing significantly. Despite these declines, the average distance traveled by rail passengers increased, suggesting a shift towards longer intercity journeys. Meanwhile, the growth in registered vehicles, particularly motorcycles and scooters, points to the rising prominence of individual and household-level transport in Punjab.
The analysis also highlights diversification in road mobility, with substantial increases in registered auto-rickshaws, tractors, and various mixed vehicles. This indicates a broader shift in transport dynamics, reflecting changes in goods movement, informal passenger transport, and agricultural mobility.
As the transportation landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this shift are profound. While increased road motorization enhances mobility, it also presents challenges such as congestion, fuel demand, and environmental impact. The data suggests that managing the consequences of a road-dependent transport system will be a critical task for policymakers in Punjab and beyond.