Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed authorities to complete Pakistan Railways’ development projects on schedule and in line with the highest quality standards, stressing that a modern railway network is vital for economic growth, trade and regional connectivity.
Chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on the Pakistan Railways Transformation Plan, the prime minister described the railway system as the country’s most cost-effective mode of transport for both passengers and freight.
Shehbaz said a modern and efficient railway network would play a pivotal role in boosting the national economy, expanding trade and improving regional connectivity. He added that upgrading railway infrastructure would strengthen Pakistan’s position as a regional trade and logistics hub.
The meeting was briefed on progress related to the ML-1 and ML-3 railway upgrades, Thar coal rail connectivity, and other development projects. Officials told the meeting that the detailed engineering design for the Karachi-Rohri section of ML-1 had been completed.
According to the briefing, the Rohri-Nokundi section of ML-3 will be upgraded through the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and bridge financing arrangements.
Officials said that around 60% of the work on the 112-kilometre Thar coal railway line linking Thar Coal with Chhor railway station had been completed and that the project was expected to be finished by December 2026.
The prime minister also directed officials to present proposals for the upgrade of the Rohri-Multan section of Main Line-1 (ML-1).
The meeting was informed that international consultants had been hired to support railway reforms on the prime minister’s instructions. Officials added that schools and hospitals operated by Pakistan Railways had been outsourced, while work was underway to commercialise six major railway stations.
The meeting was attended by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima, Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, and other senior government officials.
Source: Express Tribune
