Centre, Sindh agrees to modernize the provincial railway network

The federal and Sindh governments have agreed to a multi-billion rupee project aimed at overhauling Sindh’s railway network. The project, which will commence on the Karachi-Kashmore and Karachi-Tharparkar routes, is expected to provide modern travel facilities to millions of commuters across Sindh.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Thursday. CM Shah committed to an investment of Rs 6.6 billion, which will fund the replacement of 100 out of the 308 unmanned level crossings in the province.

The project will also include the rehabilitation of the railway system and the launch of six trains in the first phase, with plans for another six in the second phase. CM Shah also directed for immediate release of funds for the project to speed up its implementation.

The meeting focused on the suburban rail transport plan, designed to provide direct connectivity between city centres. The initiative is set to benefit around 37 million people, which constitutes 67% of Sindh’s total population. The proposed railway restoration plan includes revival of 858 kilometers of tracks across six major routes such as Kotri-Dadu, Dadu-Larkana-Habibkot, Hyderabad-Mirpurkhas-Marvi, Rohri-Jacobabad, Jacobabad-Kashmore Colony and Hyderabad-Badin.

Speaking on the occasion, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon explained that the restoration of the railway network will reduce the travel time, especially between Kotri and Dadu, where the commuting time will be reduced by about 90 minutes. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs63.26 billion.

Under the proposed model, the Sindh government will bear all the costs of the infrastructure, while Pakistan Railways will provide the necessary right-of-way (RoW) and clearances. The project also includes conversion of 308 unmanned crossings to manned ones, at an estimated cost of Rs.6 billion, with the aim of improving safety and reducing accidents.

CM Shah emphasized that the primary objective of the project is to modernize transport infrastructure and provide affordable and safe travel options to Sindh’s rural areas. He pointed out that the suburban rail system would not only ease traffic congestion but also offer a more efficient and safer mode of transport for millions of people. He further added that the funding of the 858-kilometer rail network would prioritize safety and passenger comfort.

Federal Minister Abbasi expressed his optimism about the cooperation between the federal and provincial governments and said it would mark a new chapter in the development of Pakistan Railways. He assured that Pakistan Railways would provide full technical assistance and support including necessary right-of-way for the project.

The meeting also focused on the upgradation of Rohri railway station, a project that will cost Rs 999.97 million. The upgrade will involve beautifying the platforms, installing six escalators, refurbishing station buildings and constructing a solar-powered water filtration plant. It was decided that the upgradation of Rohri station will be completed within six months.

The meeting also discussed the alarming number of accidents at railway crossings. According to Pakistan Railways, 37% of all rail accidents occur at unmanned crossings. As part of the project, the Sindh government has been requested to provide Rs6 billion to convert 100 high-risk crossings into manned ones. This measure is expected to significantly reduce the number of accidents and improve public safety.

The meeting committed to finalize a 25-year framework partnership agreement between Pakistan Railways and the Sindh government. This long-term collaboration aims to ensure continuous development and modernization of the railway network, bringing lasting benefits to the people of Sindh.