The Prime Minister launched the upgraded Shalimar Express and opened new digital facilities at Karachi Cantt Station. He also shared plans for the Karachi Circular Railway, ML-1, and future links with Central Asia.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the modernized waiting areas and lounges at Karachi Cantt Station on Monday. He also launched the upgraded Shalimar Express service between Karachi and Lahore.
The ceremony took place during his day-long visit to the city. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah received the PM at Karachi Cantt Station for the inauguration events. Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, senior officials, and foreign diplomats also attended the event.
The PM walked through the renovated CIP lounge, dining hall, waiting areas, and the computerized ticketing counters. He said the digitization of Pakistan Railways will support the national economy. He also said Karachi is the country’s “economic hub” and that the federal and Sindh governments will work together to upgrade all stations in the province.
What Projects Come Next?
The PM said the Karachi Circular Railway will move forward with Sindh’s cooperation. He said work on ML-1, the Rs 1 billion upgrade of Rohri Station, and improvements at Karachi City Station is also ongoing. So far, 154 stations have received modern facilities. He added that once the full upgrade is completed, the railways minister may receive a presidential award.
The PM said Pakistan plans to link its railway network with Central Asia. He mentioned the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan rail project and the revival of the Islamabad–Istanbul train route. He said the federal government wants full cooperation from all provinces, including Punjab, Sindh, KP, and Balochistan, so the railway system can support the economy.
What Changes Are Happening Inside Railways?
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said the department is outsourcing 14 trains under the PM’s instructions. He said railway hospitals and schools will shift to private management, but employees will remain protected.
