Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday inaugurated the upgraded Shalimar Express and newly enhanced facilities at Karachi Cantt Railway Station, emphasizing the role of Pakistan Railways’ digitization and modernization in strengthening the national economy. During the ceremony, he highlighted ongoing initiatives to modernize Karachi Circular Railway and all major railway stations across Sindh and the country, in collaboration with the provincial government. The prime minister toured the upgraded waiting areas, CIP lounge, dining hall, and computerised ticketing system alongside federal ministers, senior railway officials, and the railways police chief, while the event was also attended by foreign diplomats, parliament members, and senior officers from federal and provincial administrations.
Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the efforts of Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, stating that after successfully revamping Lahore Railway Station, Karachi Cantt now offers contemporary facilities for passengers. He noted that the modernization drive, supported by the Sindh government, will extend across all railway stations in the province to improve travel experience. The prime minister described the Shalimar Express, which operates between Karachi and Lahore, as fully upgraded and highlighted Karachi as not only the economic hub but also the heart of Pakistan. He underlined ongoing cooperation with provincial governments in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan to ensure a modern railway network that supports economic stability and connectivity.
The premier also drew attention to regional and international railway projects, including extending the network to Central Asia through the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway line and reviving the Islamabad-Istanbul rail route. He mentioned discussions with Asian Development Bank for a $2 billion loan to further enhance Pakistan Railways. Responding to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah’s request to integrate Karachi Circular Railway into China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects, the prime minister confirmed federal support, calling it a vital initiative for urban mobility. He shared that 154 railway stations have already been modernized and suggested a presidential award for Abbasi upon completion of upgrades across all stations.
Hanif Abbasi said the improvements at Karachi Cantt Station and the renewal of Shalimar Express were achieved in just eight months under the prime minister’s guidance. He added that Rs1 billion is being allocated to upgrade Rohri Station, while work continues at Karachi City Station. Abbasi also noted that 14 trains are being outsourced under government policy and railway hospitals and schools are transitioning to private administration while ensuring protection for railway employees. Additionally, he confirmed that work on the ML-1 project is progressing as part of the broader rail infrastructure development plan. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah welcomed the prime minister to Karachi and reiterated full provincial cooperation for ongoing and future projects.
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