ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi Tuesday announced that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 2 billion loan for the construction of a 480-kilometre new railway track between Karachi and Rohri, a major infrastructure project expected to cut travel time by at least five hours.
Addressing a press conference here, the minister said the groundbreaking of the Karachi–Rohri railway project is expected in July 2026, with completion planned within two and a half to three years.
He said the project is of a significant milestone in modernising Pakistan’s rail network.
Hanif Abbasi said that under the directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Railways is witnessing comprehensive development across all sectors for the first time in its 78-year history.
He said that work is progressing simultaneously on complete digitisation, outsourcing, construction of new tracks, and improvement of passenger facilities.
The minister said that under the Reko Diq project, a 900-kilometre railway corridor from Rohri to Nokundi is under development, comprising 500 kilometres of new track and upgradation of 400 kilometres of existing lines.
He said that the 87-kilometre Nokundi–Taftan section has also been included to enhance rail connectivity with Iran.
The minister said the launch of a 54-kilometre People’s Train route in Balochistan at a cost of Rs. 4 billion, while eight regional railway routes are being developed across Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under new rail initiatives.
For the first time, the minister said provinces have been offered the option to operate branch railway lines.
He said that Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan have already allocated funds, while consultations with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government are ongoing.
Hanif Abbasi said progress is also being made on rail connectivity with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Iran, adding that the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul railway service will be launched after obtaining necessary security clearance.
Highlighting service improvements, he said cleanliness and renovation work at Rawalpindi Railway Station has been completed, and three prime trains have already been upgraded, with more to follow by June 30.
He said that by December 31, all major trains will be upgraded with security cameras, Wi-Fi, hostesses and modern dining cars.
The minister said that Wi-Fi routers have been installed at major railway stations, ticket booking has been enabled through the Rabta App, and a 1,700-kilometre fibre optic network is being laid.
He said Karachi and Lahore railway stations are being made safer and more secure, while M-Tag-style stickers will be introduced on trains for improved tracking and management.
The minister also highlighted progress on a Rs. 8.9 billion digital systems agreement with FWO and a USD 85 million project with DP World at Pipri Yard.
Hanif Abbasi said 155 railway stations have been shifted to solar energy, and Pakistan Railways has achieved its highest-ever daily revenue of Rs. 300 million.
Referring to Punjab projects, he said that on the request of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz and with provincial funding, the Lahore–Rawalpindi new railway track will reduce travel time to two and a half hours once completed.
The minister said Pakistan Railways has set a target of generating Rs. 1 trillion in revenue by June 2026, and under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the organisation will be transformed into a modern, safe, and financially sustainable institution.
He assured that the rights of railway employees are fully protected, adding that railway hospitals and schools are being outsourced, hospitals will be upgraded, and free medical treatment will continue for railway employees.
He also said that 14 running rooms are being upgraded to improve facilities for railway staff.