Murad, Hanif Announce Transformative Rail Partnership to Modernize Sindh’s Railway Network
The total proposed investment is Rs63.26 billion, including Rs33 billion for infrastructure rehabilitation, Rs27.6 billion for six modern Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train sets, and Rs2.66 billion
Independent News
KARACHI:
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi have agreed to launch a multi-billion-rupee initiative to modernize the provincial railway system, starting with the Karachi–Kashmore and Karachi–Tharparkar routes. The project aims to provide state-of-the-art, city-centre-to-city-centre connectivity, revolutionizing suburban commuting for millions of Sindh residents.
At a meeting held at CM House, the Chief Minister committed Rs6.6 billion for the replacement of 100 out of 308 manned railway crossings and the rehabilitation of the railway network. The initial phase will see six modern train services launched, followed by another six in the next phase. The meeting was attended by Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, Secretary Transport Asad Zamin, and senior federal officials including Secretary Railways Mazhar Ali Shah and General Manager Railways Aamir Baloch.
The centerpiece of the discussions was a comprehensive Rail-Based Suburban Transportation Plan, designed to serve approximately 37 million people, nearly 67% of Sindh’s population. The plan covers rehabilitation of 858 kilometres of track across six major routes, including:
Kotri–Dadu: 181 km
Dadu–Larkana–Habib Kot: 166 km
Hyderabad–Mirpur Khas–Marvi: 200 km
Rohri–Jacobabad: 87 km
Jacobabad–Kashmore Colony: 124 km
Hyderabad–Badin: 100 km
Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon noted that travel time between Kotri and Dadu would be reduced by approximately 1.5 hours after the upgrades.
The total proposed investment is Rs63.26 billion, including Rs33 billion for infrastructure rehabilitation, Rs27.6 billion for six modern Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train sets, and Rs2.66 billion for dedicated maintenance facilities. Under the proposed model, the Sindh government will cover all infrastructure costs, while Pakistan Railways will provide the right of way and necessary approvals.
Safety measures were a key focus, with a proposal worth Rs6 billion to convert 308 unmanned railway crossings into manned crossings to reduce accidents, which currently account for 37% of rail-related mishaps.
The Rohri Railway Station will also undergo major upgrades with an estimated investment of Rs999.97 million, including platform beautification, six escalators, renovated station buildings, and a solar-powered water filtration plant, all targeted for completion within six months.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasized that the project will not only improve connectivity but also reduce road congestion, provide safe and affordable transport, and link remote areas to urban centers. Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi highlighted that the collaboration would ensure a modern, environmentally friendly railway system, supporting both economic growth and commuter comfort.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to finalize a 25-year partnership framework between Pakistan Railways and the Sindh government for long-term railway development projects.
