PM takes major step towards railways revamp

ISLAMABAD: Seeking to revive the country’s aging rail network as a driver of economic growth, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said the modernisation of Pakistan Railways (PR) was central to the government’s efforts to strengthen trade and regional connectivity. While chairing a meeting to review progress on the government’s railway transformation plan, he directed officials to accelerate ongoing projects and ensure their completion within the prescribed timelines without compromising on quality. He said Pakistan Railways remained the country’s most cost-effective and efficient mode of transport for both passengers and freight. A modern railway system, he added, would help promote trade, improve regional connectivity and strengthen Pakistan’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub. Prime Minister Shehbaz also directed officials to present proposals for upgrading the Rohri-Multan section of the Main Line-1 (ML-1), a key segment of the country’s rail infrastructure network. The meeting was briefed on progress made on the ML-1 and ML-3 upgradation projects, the Thar Coal railway connectivity scheme and other initiatives aimed at improving the country’s rail system. Officials informed the meeting that the detailed engineering design for the Karachi-Rohri section of ML-1 had been completed. They added that the Rohri-Nokundi section of ML-3 would be upgraded through the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), along with bridge financing arrangements. The briefing said 60 percent work had been completed on the 112-kilometre railway link connecting the Thar Coal field with Chhor Railway Station. The project, expected to be completed by December 2026, is aimed at improving transportation links for the country’s major coal-producing region. The meeting was also informed that, on the prime minister’s directives, an international consultant had been engaged to help implement railway reforms. As part of the restructuring drive, services at schools and hospitals run by Pakistan Railways have been outsourced, while steps are under way for the commercialisation of six major railway stations. The meeting was attended by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, the prime minister’s adviser on privatisation Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Kayani, and other senior officials. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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