Sindh, Centre agree on KCR revival, new rail links

KARACHI: The Sindh government and the federal government on Tuesday agreed on a broad plan for the revival of Karachi’s rail-based transport network, including the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), suburban train services, new intercity routes and greening work along railway corridors.

The understanding was reached during a meeting at the Chief Minister’s House between Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi. According to the discussions, the proposals were reviewed as part of efforts to address Karachi’s long-running transport problems through the restoration of rail-based mass transit, along with infrastructure improvements and coordination between the federation and the province.

KCR and suburban rail services discussed

One of the main proposals taken up in the meeting was the restoration of suburban rail services in Karachi. Officials described the plan as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable option for daily commuters in the city.

The participants also agreed that once the Karachi Circular Railway is restored, it would be linked with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, which would operate as feeder services.

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the KCR remains critical for Karachi’s mobility requirements. He also confirmed that the Sindh government would prepare a mega project for the revival of the system through a public-private partnership model.

Joint coordination on transport planning

The meeting reflected renewed movement on a project that has long been under discussion in Karachi. The proposals covered not only the KCR but also suburban train operations, additional intercity rail routes and urban greening initiatives along railway tracks and corridors.

The review focused on how rail transport could be brought back into Karachi’s wider urban mobility framework. In that context, the proposed integration of KCR with BRT feeder services was presented as part of a coordinated transport approach involving both provincial and federal authorities.

The discussions also underscored the need for joint work between the Centre and Sindh on transport infrastructure in the city. The plan under consideration combines mass transit restoration with related infrastructure upgrades and environmental measures along railway routes.

The latest meeting marks fresh momentum for the revival of Karachi’s rail transport system, which has been under discussion for years. The officials’ agreement covered multiple components of urban and intercity rail planning, with the KCR remaining at the centre of the proposed transport strategy for the metropolis.