KARACHI: The Sindh and federal governments on Thursday approved a large-scale rail-based suburban transport plan aimed at reviving the province’s railway network and providing improved intercity connectivity to nearly 37 million people, covering around 67 per cent of Sindh’s population.
The decision was taken at a meeting between Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi. The chief minister announced that the Sindh government would immediately allocate Rs6.6 billion to replace 100 out of the province’s 308 manned railway crossings and initiate comprehensive rehabilitation of the railway system.
Mr Shah also directed that six new trains be launched in the first phase of the project, with another six to follow in the next phase, and ordered the immediate release of funds. He said the primary objective of the initiative was to connect remote and underserved areas of Sindh with modern, affordable and safe transport facilities.
“The rail-based transport system will help reduce pressure on roads and offer safe, efficient city-centre to city-centre connectivity for commuters and employees,” the chief minister said, adding that passenger safety and comfort would remain top priorities.
CM @MuradAliShahPPP met Fed Railways Minister @HanifAbbasiN to launch new era of railway development in Sindh. 858 km rail network to be modernised for Rs 63.26bn, benefiting 37 million people and connecting remote areas with safe, affordable travel. pic.twitter.com/KlG4AR2TWy
— Sindh Chief Minister House (@SindhCMHouse) January 8, 2026
Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi welcomed the initiative and said cooperation between the federal and Sindh governments would open a new chapter in the history of Pakistan Railways. He assured the provincial government of full technical support from the railways ministry, including provision of the required right of way for the project.
Both sides also agreed to finalise and sign a 25-year partnership framework agreement to ensure long-term collaboration on railway development projects in the province.
According to officials, the Sindh cabinet had already approved the Rs6.6 billion railway initiative in December, covering an 858-kilometre network across six key corridors. These include Kotri–Dadu, Dadu–Larkana–Habib Kot, Hyderabad–Mirpurkhas–Marvi, Rohri–Jacobabad, Jacobabad–Kashmore Colony and Hyderabad–Badin.
You May Also Like: Journalist held under Peca in Karachi sent to prison after NCCIA remand denied
A press release issued by the Chief Minister’s House said the project would modernise the provincial railway network from Karachi to Kashmore and from Karachi to Tharparkar, benefiting millions of residents across Sindh.
The overall investment for the project has been estimated at Rs63.26 billion, including Rs33 billion for infrastructure rehabilitation, Rs27.6 billion for the procurement of six modern Diesel Multiple Unit train sets and Rs2.66 billion for maintenance facilities. Under the proposed model, Sindh will fully fund infrastructure costs, while Pakistan Railways will provide approvals and the right of way.
The meeting also approved a separate Rs6 billion proposal to improve safety at 308 unmanned railway crossings by converting them into manned crossings. In addition, the upgradation of Rohri Railway Station was approved at a cost of nearly Rs1 billion, with work expected to be completed within six months.
The meeting was attended by senior provincial and federal officials, including Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and senior officers from Pakistan Railways.
Check out our latest video:
