Centre, Sindh agree to modernize provincial railway network

The federal and Sindh governments have agreed on a multi-billion rupee project to renovate Sindh’s railway network. The project, which will begin on the Karachi-Kashmore and Karachi-Tharparkar routes, is expected to provide modern travel facilities to millions of commuters across Sindh.

The agreement was reached on Thursday during a meeting between Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. CM Shah has pledged to invest Rs 6.6 billion, which will fund the replacement of 100 of the 308 unmanned railway crossings in the province.

The project will also include the restoration of the rail system and the launch of six trains in the first phase, and six additional trains are planned in the second phase. CM Shah also demanded immediate release of funds for the project to expedite its implementation.

The meeting focused on the commuter rail plan, designed to provide direct connectivity between city centers. The initiative is expected to benefit around 37 million people, or 67% of the total population of Sindh. The proposed railway restoration plan includes rehabilitation of 858 kilometers of tracks on six major routes, such as Kotri-Dadu, Dadu-Larkana-Habibkot, Hyderabad-Mirpurkhas-Marvi, Rohri-Jacobabad, Jacobabad-Kashmore Colony and Hyderabad-Badin.

On the occasion, Sindh Chief Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon explained that the restoration of the railway network will reduce the travel time, especially between Kotri and Dadu, where the travel time will be reduced by around 90 minutes. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs63.26 billion.

Under the proposed model, the Sindh government will bear the entire cost of the infrastructure, while Pakistan Railways will provide the necessary right-of-way and approvals. The project also includes converting 308 unmanned crossings into manned crossings, at an estimated cost of Rs 6 billion, aimed at improving safety and reducing accidents.

CM Shah highlighted that the main objective of the project is to modernize transport infrastructure and provide affordable and safe travel options to rural areas of Sindh. He pointed out that the commuter rail system would not only reduce traffic congestion but also provide a more efficient and safer mode of transportation for millions of people. He further added that the financing of the 858 kilometer railway network would prioritize the safety and comfort of passengers.

Federal Minister Abbasi expressed optimism over the collaboration between the federal and provincial governments, saying it would mark a new chapter in the development of Pakistan Railways. He assured that Pakistan Railways would provide comprehensive technical assistance and support, including necessary right-of-way for the project.

The meeting also discussed the modernization of the Rohri railway station, a project which will cost Rs999.97 million. The upgrade will include beautification of platforms, installation of six escalators, renovation of station buildings and construction of a solar-powered water filtration plant. It was decided that the modernization of Rohri station would be completed within six months.

The meeting also discussed the alarming number of accidents at level crossings. According to Pakistan Railways, 37% of all rail accidents occur at unmanned level crossings. Under the project, the Sindh government has been asked to provide Rs 6 billion to convert 100 high-risk crossings into guarded crossings. The move is expected to significantly reduce accidents and improve public safety.

The meeting made a commitment to finalize a 25-year framework partnership agreement between Pakistan Railways and the Sindh government. This long-term cooperation aims to ensure the continued development and modernization of the railway network, bringing lasting benefits to the people of Sindh.