• On CM Murad’s request, Shehbaz assures inclusion of Karachi Circular Railway in CPEC
• Says federal govt to work with all provinces to extend railway network to Central Asia
• Inaugurates new Shalimar Express, upgraded CIP lounge at Cantt Station
• Praises Hanif Abbasi for modernising Pakistan Railways
KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that the federal government in collaboration with the Sindh government would revive the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), hoping the long-delayed project would soon become a reality.
He also promised to upgrade and modernise all railway stations across the province and the country.
He said that the digitisation and modernisation of Pakistan Railways and the provision of state-of-the-art facilities would play a key role in strengthening the national economy.
The prime minister expressed these views while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the new Shalimar Express and the newly upgraded waiting rooms, CIP lounge at Karachi Cantonment Railway Station.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and others were present on the occasion.
Responding to CM Shah’s request to include the KCR project in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the prime minister assured full cooperation, calling it a vital initiative.
He said he had flagged the KCR project at every international forum and “we would jointly revive it as this project was inevitable for the people of Karachi”.
He hoped this project would soon become a reality.
The PM said the Shalimar Express running between Karachi and Lahore has been converted into a new, upgraded train.
He described Karachi as not only the economic hub but also the heart of Pakistan.
‘54 railway stations modernised’
The prime minister said that 54 railway stations had already been modernised.
He said that soon after assuming office, Railways Minister Abbasi worked diligently to modernise the railway system. “After revamping Lahore Railway Station, now Karachi Cantt Station has also been upgraded with contemporary facilities.”
He said that all railway stations in Sindh would be modernised in coordination with the provincial government to ensure better travel facilities for the passengers.
He said like Sindh and Punjab, such coordination with the governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan should be evolved, which would ultimate make the railways the best transport system of this region.
He said the federal government would work with all provinces to extend the railway network to Central Asia, specifically highlighting the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway line project.
He reiterated that cooperation with all provincial governments would continue to ensure modernisation across the railway network and help stabilise the economy.
He said the railway’s freight system was also being organised.
The PM said the federal and Sindh governments hade a partnership to provide transportation for Thar Coal, with both governments investing 50 per cent each in the project.
He assured that all required funds would be released in this regard so that the set targets of the projects could be achieved.
He also emphasised reviving the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul rail route, saying this would boost the economy.
He noted that Mr Abbasi had initiated discussions with the Asian Development Bank for a $2 billion loan to further upgrade the railway line from Karachi to Rohri. He said that eventually it would be connected to the Reko Diq project.
Praising the services of Mr Abbasi, he said once all stations, big or small, are upgraded he would recommend a presidential award for him.
Calling him the hero of today’s ceremony, he congratulated the minister for transforming the outdated railway system.
Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Mr Abbasi said that significant improvements were achieved in just eight months, including the modernisation of Karachi Cantt Station and the renewal of the Shalimar Express.
He added that Rs1 billion was being spent on upgrading the Rohri Station, while work was also underway at Karachi City Station.
Mr Abbasi said that 14 trains were being outsourced under a government policy and railway hospitals and schools were also being given to private administration, while ensuring full protection for railway employees. “Work on the ML-1 project is also progressing,” he added.
Sindh CM Syed Murad Ali Shah welcomed the prime minister to Karachi and reaffirmed full cooperation from the provincial government.
He appealed to the PM for federal support in establishing the KCR project. “A large-scale project like the KCR cannot be completed by the Sindh government alone,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to fully cooperate with federal authorities and the railways to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
He expressed gratitude to the PM and Minister Abbasi and emphasised that upgrading railway lines and branches was a positive development for Sindh’s residents.
The CM Shah pointed out that, until the Karachi-Hyderabad motorway is completed, train travel remains the most viable public transport option.
He called for expedited federal efforts to finish the motorway, reiterating that improved regional connectivity will greatly benefit thousands of commuters daily.
Earlier, the prime minister inaugurated the new Shalimar Express at Karachi Cantt Station by cutting the ribbon and unveiling the plaque. He visited the upgraded waiting area, CIP lounge, state-of-the-art dining hall and computerised ticketing system.
Mr Abbasi briefed the prime minister regarding modernisation and upgradation of the railways.
The ceremony was also attended by foreign diplomats and parliamentarians, senior officers from the federal as well as provincial governments.
Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2025
