KARACHI, Jan 08 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, in their decisive meeting, agreed on a multi-billion-rupee plan to modernise the provincial railway network – starting from Karachi to Kashmore and Karachi to Tharparkar – to provide state-of-the-art transportation to millions.
“We are ready to invest Rs 6.6 billion to replace 100 out of the 308 manned railway crossings across the province, rehabilitate the railway system, and launch six trains from its resources in the first phase and another six in the next phase,” the chief minister committed. He also ordered the immediate release of the funds.
The meeting, held at the CM House, was attended by Sindh Minister for Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Agha Wasif, and Secretary Transport Asad Zamin. The federal minister’s delegation
included Secretary Railways Mazhar Ali Shah, General Manager Railways Aamir Baloch, and other senior officers.
The centrepiece of the discussions was a comprehensive Rail-Based Suburban Transportation Plan designed to offer `city centre to city centre’ connectivity. This ambitious project aims to serve approximately 37 million people, accounting for 67 per cent of Sindh’s total population.
The plan proposes the rehabilitation of 858 kilometres of track across six key routes, including 181 km Kotri–Dadu, 166 km Dadu–Larkana–Habib Kot, 200 km Hyderabad–Mirpur Khas–Marvi, 87 km Rohri–Jacobabad, 124 km Jacobabad–Kashmore Colony, and 100 km Hyderabad–Badin.
Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that, after the investment, travel time between Kotri and Dadu would be reduced by approximately one and a half hours.
To bring this vision to life, a total investment of Rs 63.26 billion has been outlined. This includes Rs 33 billion for core infrastructure rehabilitation – covering civil works, track, and signalling – Rs27.6 billion for the procurement of six modern Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train sets, and Rs2.66 billion for dedicated maintenance facilities.
Under the proposed business model, the Sindh government will contribute 100 per cent of the infrastructure costs, while Pakistan Railways will provide the right of way (RoW) and necessary approvals.
The meeting also reached consensus on a proposal worth Rs 6 billion to make 308 unmanned railway crossings safe by converting them into manned crossings, aimed at preventing accidents and ensuring public safety.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasised that the government’s objective is to connect remote areas of Sindh with modern, affordable, and safe transport facilities.
He noted that the railway project would reduce traffic pressure on roads and provide safe `city centre to city centre’ connectivity for commuters and employees. He added that the Sindh government is also considering funding the restoration of the 858-kilometre railway network, with human safety and passenger comfort as top priorities.
Hanif Abbasi said that cooperation between the federal and Sindh governments would open a new chapter in the history of Pakistan Railways.
He stressed that the Ministry of Railways aims to provide Sindh with a railway system that is not only environmentally friendly but also contributes to economic growth. He added that Pakistan Railways would extend full technical support and provide the required right of way for the project.
A specific focus was placed on the upgradation of Rohri Railway Station, with an estimated investment of Rs 999.97 million. The project includes the beautification of platforms, installation of six escalators, renovation of station buildings, and the construction of a solar-powered water filtration plant.
It was also decided that Rohri Railway Station would be upgraded within six months, with the installation of six new escalators and a solar-powered water filtration plant. Furthermore, Pakistan Railways and the Sindh government agreed to finalise a 25-years partnership framework agreement for long-term collaboration on railway development projects.
Addressing safety concerns, the meeting highlighted the urgent need to convert unmanned level crossings into manned ones. Pakistan Railways has requested the Sindh government to sponsor the conversion of 100 high-risk crossings for Rs6 billion to reduce accidents, which currently account for 37 per cent of rail-related mishaps.
The proposed suburban rail system is expected to significantly reduce road congestion and lower the maintenance costs of the provincial road network.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to sign a framework agreement between Pakistan Railways and the Sindh government to formalise the 25-years partnership.