Shehbaz unveils rail revamp: KCR, station upgrades, freight push
“Shehbaz Sharif launched a modernised Shalimar Express and pledged a centre-province push to upgrade railways.”
Key points
- Shehbaz Sharif launched a modernised Shalimar Express and pledged a centre-province push to upgrade railways.
- Plans include KCR revival, nationwide station upgrades and freight links, with ADB financing under discussion.
- The PM tied rail reforms to growth and connectivity.
KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the federal and provincial governments will jointly modernise Pakistan Railways, tying upgrades to wider economic goals. At Karachi Cantt Station he inaugurated a revamped Shalimar Express and newly refurbished passenger facilities, praising the railways ministry's recent work.
The premier highlighted plans to upgrade stations nationwide, revive Karachi Circular Railway in coordination with Sindh, and expand freight partnerships, including transport links for Thar coal. He said talks are underway with the Asian Development Bank for a multibillion-dollar loan to improve the Karachi Rohri corridor and reiterated ambitions to connect with Central Asia and revive the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul route.
Additional measures include outsourcing some services, modernising ticketing, and continuing progress on ML-1. Shehbaz said over 50 stations have been improved and vowed more funding to meet targets.
Relevant social handle: https://x.com/GovtofPakistan
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