Federal-Sindh Pact to Revive Pakistan Railways with $2bn Upgrade

The federal and Sindh provincial governments have reached a consensus to expedite a broad-based rehabilitation and modernisation programme for Pakistan Railways, with priority accorded to the upgrading of the 480-kilometre Karachi–Rohri mainline at an estimated project cost of US$2 billion, according to official sources.

This accord was formalised following high-level discussions conducted by Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi with Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.

As an immediate confidence-building measure, both governments committed Rs6.6 billion towards the replacement of 100 out of the 308 manned level crossings located in Sindh province, thereby enhancing rail safety standards, operational efficiency, and reduction of accident risks at these critical interfaces.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasised the strategic intent to extend modern, cost-effective, and secure rail connectivity to underserved and remote regions of Sindh. He highlighted that a revitalised railway network would alleviate mounting pressure on provincial road infrastructure while delivering dependable point-to-point (city centre to city centre) transport services for daily commuters, workers, and general passengers.

Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi described the inter-governmental cooperation as the commencement of a transformative era for Pakistan Railways. He reaffirmed the Railways Ministry’s commitment to extend complete technical expertise, facilitate necessary right-of-way clearances, and provide all requisite support for the successful execution of agreed initiatives.

Both sides further resolved to expeditiously finalise and execute a comprehensive 25-year institutional partnership framework agreement, establishing a durable mechanism for sustained collaboration on railway infrastructure development, maintenance, and operational improvements.

In a separate engagement, Minister Abbasi and Governor Tessori exchanged perspectives on the broader national landscape and explored avenues for enhancing railway facilities. The visit also included an inspection of the Pakistan Railways Complaint Cell and Ration Marquee, as well as a tour of the historic office previously occupied by Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.