Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that the digitisation and modernisation of Pakistan Railways would play a crucial role in strengthening the national economy as he inaugurated the upgraded Shalimar Express and newly renovated passenger facilities at Karachi Cantt Railway Station.
During the ceremony, attended by federal ministers, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, diplomats, and senior officials, the prime minister highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming the railway network across Pakistan. He announced that the federal and Sindh governments would jointly modernise the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) and upgrade all major stations in the province.
PM Shehbaz praised Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi for his rapid and effective reforms, noting the successful upgrade of Lahore and Karachi stations and improvements across 154 railway stations nationwide. He said these advancements would not only improve passenger experience but also help stabilise the economy by enhancing connectivity.
The premier also reaffirmed plans to strengthen regional linkage through the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway line and revive the Islamabad–Istanbul rail route. He added that discussions with the Asian Development Bank were underway for a $2 billion loan to further upgrade the railway system.
Responding to CM Shah’s request, PM Shehbaz assured full cooperation to include the KCR project in CPEC, calling it a vital urban transport initiative.
Railways Minister Abbasi noted that significant progress had been made within eight months, including modernising stations and revamping the Shalimar Express. He shared updates on ongoing projects such as the Rs1bn upgrade of Rohri Station, improvements at Karachi City Station, and outsourcing of 14 trains to improve efficiency while safeguarding railway employees’ rights.
CM Shah reaffirmed Sindh’s full support for the federal government’s railway expansion and modernisation initiatives.
