In a major announcement aimed at tackling Karachi’s notorious traffic crisis and modernizing Pakistan’s rail network, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has committed to the revival of the long-stalled Karachi Circular Railway (KCR).
Speaking at the inauguration of the new Shalimar Express and the upgraded facilities at Karachi Cantonment Station on Monday, the Prime Minister assured Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah that the federal government would fully partner with Sindh to make the KCR a reality.
KCR is ‘Inevitable’ for Karachi
The centerpiece of the day’s address was the KCR. CM Shah specifically appealed to the PM for federal backing, acknowledging that a project of this scale requires central government support, and requested its inclusion in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Responding enthusiastically, the Prime Minister assured the provincial leadership that the KCR is a “vital initiative” and that he has highlighted it on every international platform. He declared that its revival is “inevitable for the people of Karachi,” expressing confidence that the joint effort would soon bear fruit.
Rail Modernization: The National Push
Beyond the KCR, PM Sharif outlined an ambitious national agenda for Pakistan Railways (PR). Key takeaways from the ceremony included:
Station Upgrades: A promise to modernize and digitize all railway stations across Sindh and the entire country, following the successful revamp of Lahore and now Karachi Cantt Station (which featured the inauguration of new waiting rooms and a CIP lounge).
Central Asia Connectivity: The federal government will collaborate with all provincial governments (including Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan) to extend the rail network to Central Asia, specifically mentioning the potential Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway line.
Economic Backbone: The PM emphasized that a modern, digitized railway—including the revitalization of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul route—is crucial for economic stabilization. He highlighted a 50-50 partnership with the Sindh government to enhance transportation for Thar Coal.
Karachi to Rohri Upgrade: He noted that discussions are underway with the Asian Development Bank for a significant $2 billion loan to upgrade the main railway line between Karachi and Rohri, which will eventually link to the Reko Diq project.
Praise for the Minister
Prime Minister Sharif heaped praise on Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi for his diligent work in the eight months since taking office, calling him the “hero of today’s ceremony.” The PM went so far as to promise he would recommend a presidential award for Abbasi once all stations, large and small, are successfully upgraded.
In his remarks, Minister Abbasi noted that 54 stations have already been modernized. He also detailed ongoing work at Rohri and Karachi City Station, and mentioned that railway operations, including 14 trains, hospitals, and schools, are being outsourced to private administration to improve efficiency.
Sindh’s Assurance
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah thanked the Prime Minister and reaffirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to fully cooperate with federal and railway authorities. He also took the opportunity to advocate for regional connectivity, stressing the importance of expediting the completion of the Karachi-Hyderabad motorway as train travel remains a crucial public transport option until then.
The day concluded with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new, upgraded Shalimar Express, marking a symbolic start to what both governments hope will be a new era of rail efficiency and connectivity for Pakistan.
