Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Monday, directed authorities to complete Pakistan Railways’ development projects within the stipulated timelines and according to the highest quality standards, emphasizing a modern railway network is essential for the economic growth, trade, and regional connectivity.
Chairing a meeting to review progress on the Pakistan Railways transformation plan, the prime minister said Pakistan Railways is the country’s most cost-effective mode of transport for passengers and freight. He said upgrading the railway infrastructure would strengthen Pakistan’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub.
He directed officials to submit proposals for the upgradation of the Rohri–Multan section of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
PM calls for timely completion of Railways key projects
The meeting was attended by Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatization Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior government officials.
The relevant officials briefed the meeting on progress related to the ML-1 and ML-3 upgrade projects, Thar Coal railway connectivity project and other ongoing initiatives.
The meeting was informed that the detailed engineering design for the Karachi–Rohri section of ML-1 has been completed. The upgradation of the Rohri–Nokundi section of ML-3 would be undertaken through the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and bridge financing.
It was apprised that 60% of the work on the 112-kilometre railway line connecting Thar coalfields to Chhor railway station had been completed, with the project expected to be finished by December 2026.
The prime minister was also informed that an international consultant had been hired to support railway reforms. The officials said the management of Pakistan Railways’ schools and hospitals had been outsourced, while work was set to begin on the commercialization of six major railway stations.
