Karachi: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has announced a major rehabilitation and upgrade plan for the Karachi-Rohri railway corridor, with work expected to begin in September at an estimated cost of USD 2 billion.
He made the announcement while addressing a ceremony marking the initial commencement of the International School Pakistan Railways (PR) Campus in Karachi, an initiative aimed at promoting education through public-sector collaboration. Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi, Railways Secretary Mazahar Ali Shah, and other officials attended the event.
Speaking on the railway upgrade, the minister said the 480-kilometre Karachi-Rohri section is one of the oldest and most challenging rail lines, originally constructed in the 1860s. He noted that the project has been prioritised by the Prime Minister, with the foundation stone expected to be laid in September.
He added that the rehabilitation of the line will improve operational efficiency and modernise a key segment of the national rail network, which plays a critical role in freight and passenger movement across the country.
Responding to questions about broader connectivity plans, Hanif Abbasi said Pakistan is also moving ahead with regional railway expansion initiatives aimed at linking Central Asia and Europe via Iran.
He stated that work on the 900-kilometre Rohri-Naukundi section has already begun on the Prime Minister’s directives, while the tendering process for the 87-kilometre Naukundi-Taftan section is underway.
The minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to connect Thar coal reserves to the railway network, adding that the Islamkot to Chhor section is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
On infrastructure improvements, he said Pakistan Railways is upgrading stations, platforms, and passenger facilities as part of a broader modernisation plan. He further confirmed that the digitisation of Pakistan Railways is in its final stages and is expected to be completed within a month.
Additionally, he said Pakistan Railways and the Punjab government have signed an agreement to expand and modernise rail services across the province, including the introduction of fast and regional routes and modern diesel multiple unit (DMU) locomotives to improve service quality.
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