Rehan Shahid 
Jan 09, 2026
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Thursday agreed on a multi-billion-rupee plan to modernise the provincial railway network between Karachi and Kashmore, and Karachi and Tharparkar to provide state-of-the-art travelling experience to millions of citizens in Sindh.
During a high-level meeting, the Sindh CM said: We are ready to invest Rs6.6 billion to replace 100 out of the 308 manned railway crossings across the province, rehabilitate the railway system, and launch six trains from our resources in the first phase and another six in the next phase.”
The railway upgradation project will include the restoration of the railway system and the launch of six trains in the first phase, with plans for an additional six in the second phase. The chief minister has directed the immediate release of funds for the project to expedite its implementation.
The meeting also focused on the suburban railway transportation plan that will provide direct connectivity between city centres. The initiative is set to benefit around 37 million people, making up 67% of Sindh's total population.
The plan also includes the revival of 858 kilometres of tracks across six major routes, such as Kotri-Dadu, Dadu-Larkana-Habibkot, Hyderabad-Mirpurkhas-Marvi, Rohri-Jacobabad, Jacobabad-Kashmore Colony, and Hyderabad-Badin.
"This collaboration between the federal and Sindh governments will add a new chapter in the history of Pakistan Railways.
"The Ministry of Railways will provide Sindh with a railway system that will not only be environmentally friendly but will also lead to economic development," said Abbasi.
The meeting focused on the upgrade of the Rohri Railway Station with an estimated investment of Rs999.97 million. The project includes the beautification of platforms, installation of six escalators, renovation of station buildings and construction of a solar-powered water filtration plant.
Rohri Railway Station is said to be completed within six months with the installation of six new escalators and a solar-powered water filtration plant.
The Pakistan Railways and the Sindh government agreed to finalise a 25-year partnership framework agreement for long-term collaboration on railway development projects.
Discussing on railways safety measures, the meeting highlighted the urgent requirement to convert unmanned level crossings into manned ones. The Pakistan Railways requested the Sindh government to sponsor the conversion of 100 high-risk crossings for Rs6 billion to reduce accidents, which currently accounted for 37% of the rail-related mishaps.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to sign a framework agreement between the Pakistan Railways and Sindh government to formalise a 25-year partnership.
