The PM Shehbaz Announces Major Modernisation of Pakistan Railways during a ceremony in Karachi, calling it vital for economic stability. He said digitisation, modernisation and new facilities would strengthen Pakistan’s national economy by improving transport efficiency.
Karachi Circular Railway and Station Upgrades
PM Shehbaz said the federal and Sindh governments would jointly modernise the Karachi Circular Railway. He also confirmed that all railway stations in Sindh and across Pakistan would receive state-of-the-art upgrades.
He shared these views while inaugurating the new Shalimar Express and the upgraded waiting rooms and CIP lounges at Karachi Cantt Station. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and senior officials attended the event.
Shalimar Express and Station Revamp
The prime minister praised Abbasi for modernising Pakistan Railways soon after taking office. He said Lahore Station was refurbished first, followed by major upgrades at Karachi Cantt Station.
He said all stations in Sindh would be modernised with Sindh government coordination. He added that similar cooperation with KP and Balochistan would help Pakistan Railways become the strongest transport system in the region.
PM Shehbaz said the railways freight system is also being organised. He added that the federal and Sindh governments are partners in the Thar coal transport project, each investing 50 percent. He assured that all required funds will be released to meet project targets.
Economic Impact and Regional Rail Connectivity
He said the Shalimar Express running between Karachi and Lahore has been rebuilt into a modern train. The prime minister described Karachi as the economic hub and the heart of Pakistan.
He said cooperation with Punjab, Sindh, KP and Balochistan will continue to modernise the rail network and stabilise the economy. He praised Abbasi’s leadership, calling him the hero of the ceremony.
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan aims to extend the railway network to Central Asia. He highlighted the Uzbekistan Afghanistan Pakistan rail link and the revival of the Islamabad Tehran Istanbul route. He said both routes would push Pakistan’s economy to new heights.
Major Projects and International Partnerships
PM Shehbaz said Abbasi has opened discussions with the Asian Development Bank for a 2 billion dollar loan to upgrade the rail line from Karachi to Rohri. He said this line will eventually link to the Reko Diq project.
He responded to CM Murad Ali Shah’s request to include KCR in CPEC. He promised full support and said the KCR project is essential for Karachi. He said he raised this project at international forums and expressed hope that it will soon become reality.
He said 54 railway stations have already been modernised. He added that once all large and small stations are upgraded, he will recommend a presidential award for the railways minister.
Rail Sector Reforms and Outsourcing
Minister Abbasi said major improvements were made in eight months under the prime minister’s guidance. He said Karachi Cantt Station was modernised and the Shalimar Express was renewed.
He said one billion rupees is being spent on upgrading Rohri Station. Work is underway at Karachi City Station as well.
PM Shehbaz said 14 trains are being outsourced under government policy. Railway hospitals and schools are also being shifted to private management. He said railway employees will remain fully protected.
He confirmed that the ML 1 project is progressing.
Ceremony and Inauguration
CM Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed Sindh’s full cooperation for railway development.
PM Shehbaz inaugurated the new Shalimar Express by cutting the ribbon and unveiling the plaque. He inspected the upgraded waiting areas, the CIP lounge, the dining hall and the computerised ticketing system. Federal ministers, senior railway officials, the Railways IG, foreign diplomats and parliament members also attended the ceremony.