In a significant move to address a critical public safety issue, the Sindh and federal governments have agreed to a multi-billion-rupee partnership to modernise the provincial railway network, with an immediate focus on converting hazardous unmanned level crossings responsible for 37 per cent of all rail-related mishaps.
The decisive agreement was reached in a meeting between Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi at the CM House, according to information from Sindh Chief Minister House on Thursday.
The Chief Minister committed to an initial investment of Rs6.6 billion from provincial resources, ordering the immediate release of funds to replace 100 of the 308 unmanned crossings and to launch an initial fleet of six new trains.
At the heart of the collaboration is a comprehensive Rail-Based Suburban Transportation Plan designed to provide seamless ‘city centre to city centre’ connectivity. This ambitious venture aims to serve approximately 37 million people, which accounts for 67 per cent of Sindh”s total population.
The total outlined investment for the transformative plan stands at Rs63.26 billion. This includes Rs33 billion for the rehabilitation of core infrastructure such as tracks and signalling systems, Rs27.6 billion for the procurement of six modern Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train sets, and Rs2.66 billion for dedicated maintenance facilities.
Under the proposed business model, the Sindh government will bear 100 per cent of the infrastructure costs, while Pakistan Railways will provide the necessary right of way (RoW) and official approvals for the project.
The plan details the rehabilitation of 858 kilometres of track across six key routes: Kotri-Dadu (181 km), Dadu-Larkana-Habib Kot (166 km), Hyderabad-Mirpur Khas-Marvi (200 km), Rohri-Jacobabad (87 km), Jacobabad-Kashmore Colony (124 km), and Hyderabad-Badin (100 km). Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon noted the investment would cut travel time between Kotri and Dadu by about one and a half hours.
A specific focus was placed on the upgradation of Rohri Railway Station, with a designated investment of Rs999.97 million. The six-month project includes the installation of six new escalators, a solar-powered water filtration plant, the beautification of platforms, and the renovation of station buildings.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah stated the government’s objective is to connect remote areas of Sindh with modern, affordable, and secure transport facilities. He emphasised that the initiative would alleviate traffic pressure on roads and provide safe connectivity for commuters and employees, with human safety being a top priority.
Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi hailed the cooperation as a “new chapter” in the history of Pakistan Railways. He affirmed that the ministry would provide full technical support and aims to deliver a railway system for Sindh that is both environmentally friendly and a contributor to economic growth.
The meeting concluded with both parties committing to finalise a 25-year partnership framework agreement to formalise their long-term collaboration on future railway development projects.