Rehan Shahid 
Nov 17, 2025
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday inaugurated the newly upgraded Karachi Cantt Railway Station, which includes advanced waiting areas and lounges.
The prime minister has also launched the Shalimar Express train service with major advancements, offering a better travel experience to passengers.
During the inauguration ceremony, the premier stated: "The digitalisation of Pakistan Railways and the provision of modern facilities would play a vital role in strengthening the national economy.
"The federal government, in partnership with the Sindh government, would modernise the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) and upgrade all railway stations across the province and the country."
Karachi Railway Station's new facilities
- New Shalimar Express train service
- Upgraded waiting areas
- Commercially Important Person (CIP) lounge
- Automated escalated machines
- Facilitation desk
The prime minister advised the federal government to work with all provinces to extend the railway network to Central Asia, particularly highlighting the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway line project.
Karachi is characterised as not only the economic hub but also "the heart of Pakistan". "154 railway stations have already been modernised, and once all stations — big or small — are upgraded, I will recommend a presidential award for the railway minister," added the premier.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the prime minister, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Federal Minister for Railway Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, foreign diplomats, parliament members, and senior officials from the federal as well as provincial governments.
