PM pushes faster rail upgrades under transformation plan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said modernising Pakistan Railways’ infrastructure would be key to positioning the country as a regional trade and logistics hub, as he chaired a review meeting on progress under the Pakistan Railways Transformation Plan.

During the meeting, the prime minister directed that the rail network be upgraded quickly so it could become a more efficient and revenue-generating mode of transport. He said rail remained the most economical and effective option for both passengers and freight, and added that a modern railway system would support the economy, facilitate trade and improve regional connectivity.

He also instructed the authorities concerned to ensure that all railway development schemes were completed within their prescribed timelines and in line with quality standards. The premier further asked for proposals to be presented on the upgradation of the Rohri-Multan section of Main Line-1 (ML-1).

Progress on key projects

The meeting was briefed on developments relating to the upgradation of ML-1 and ML-3, Thar Coal railway connectivity and other ongoing initiatives in the rail sector. According to the briefing, the Detailed Engineering Design for the Karachi-Rohri section of ML-1 has been completed.

Officials told the meeting that the upgradation of ML-3 from Rohri to Nok Kundi would be undertaken through the Public Sector Development Programme as well as bridge financing. They also said that work on the 112-kilometre Thar Coal Railway Connectivity Project, which links Thar Coal to Chhor Railway Station, was 60 per cent complete and was expected to be finished by December 2026.

The meeting was additionally informed that an international consultant had been hired to support reform efforts in Pakistan Railways. It was also told that services at railways-run schools and hospitals had been outsourced, while work was being initiated for the commercialisation of six major railway stations.

Participants and recent developments

Among those attending the meeting were federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Khan Cheema, Hanif Abbasi and Shaza Fatima, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, and other senior government officials.

Last month, Prime Minister Shehbaz had approved a strategic roadmap for broad-based reforms in Pakistan Railways, including service improvements, digitisation, track upgradation and private-sector investment. In January, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi had said work on the ML-1 railway project was expected to begin in July 2026 from Karachi Port.

The ML-1 project is aimed at upgrading and modernising major rail infrastructure to improve freight and passenger connectivity between Karachi and Peshawar.