Center and Sindh agree to modernize provincial railway network

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

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

The project will also include the restoration of the rail system and the commissioning of six trains in the first phase, with plans for an additional six in the second phase. CM Shah also ordered immediate release of funds for the project to expedite its implementation.

The meeting focused on the suburban rail transportation plan, designed to provide direct connectivity between city centers. The initiative will benefit around 37 million people, which is 67% of the total population of Sindh. The proposed railway restoration plan includes revival of 858 kilometers of tracks on 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 Chief Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon explained that the restoration of the railway network will reduce the travel time, particularly between Kotri and Dadu, where the travel time will be reduced by about 90 minutes. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 63.26 billion.

Under the proposed model, the Sindh government will bear the entire cost of infrastructure, while Pakistan Railways will provide the right of way (RoW) and necessary approvals. The project also includes conversion of 308 unmanned crossings into manned ones, at an estimated cost of Rs 6,000 crore, with the aim of improving safety and reducing accidents.

CM Shah highlighted that the main objective of the project is to modernize transportation infrastructure and provide affordable and safe travel options for rural Sindh. He noted that the suburban rail system would not only alleviate traffic congestion but also offer a more efficient and safer mode of transportation for millions of people. He further added that the financing of the 858-kilometer railway network would prioritize the safety and comfort of passengers.

Federal Minister Abbasi expressed optimism about the collaboration 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 the right of way required for the project.

The meeting also focused on upgrading the Rohri railway station, a project that will cost Rs 999.97 crore. The upgrade will involve beautifying the platforms, installing six escalators, renovating the station buildings and constructing a solar-powered water filtration plant. It has been decided that the modernization of Rohri station will be completed in six months.

The alarming number of accidents at railway crossings was also discussed at the meeting. According to Pakistan Railways, 37% of all railway accidents occur at unmanned crossings. As part of the project, the Sindh government has been asked to provide Rs 6 billion to convert 100 high-risk crossings into manned crossings. This measure is expected to significantly reduce accidents and improve public safety.

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