Pakistan Railways undergoes nationwide upgrade, ADB approves $2bn Karachi–Rohri Track: Hanif Abbasi
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Tuesday said Pakistan Railways is undergoing simultaneous development in all sectors for the first time in its 78-year history, following directives of the Prime Minister.
Addressing a press conference, he said work has begun on full digitisation, outsourcing, construction of new tracks and improvement of passenger facilities. He disclosed that the Asian Development Bank has approved a $2 billion loan for a new 480-kilometre railway track between Karachi and Rohri, expected to cut travel time by at least five hours. The project’s groundbreaking is likely in July 2026, with completion targeted within three years.
The minister said railway development under the Reko Diq project includes a 900-kilometre track from Rohri to Nokundi, with 500 kilometres of new track and upgradation of 400 kilometres of existing lines, along with an additional 87-kilometre link to Taftan.
He announced a 54-kilometre “People’s Train” route in Balochistan costing Rs4 billion, eight new regional routes in Punjab, and expansion of projects in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Provinces have also been offered to operate branch lines, with Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan allocating funds.
Highlighting service upgrades, Abbasi said major trains will be fully modernised by December 31 with Wi-Fi, security cameras, hostesses and modern dining cars. He added that 155 stations have shifted to solar energy, daily revenue has reached a record Rs300 million, and Pakistan Railways aims to achieve Rs1 trillion revenue by June 2026. Staff Report
