Railway Modernization: A Catalyst for Economic Growth, Says PM
Railway modernization is covered in the report below.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the transformative potential of modernizing Pakistan Railways as a key driver for economic growth. Speaking at the inauguration of the new Shalimar Express and
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the transformative potential of modernizing Pakistan Railways as a key driver for economic growth. Speaking at the inauguration of the new Shalimar Express and upgraded facilities at Karachi Cantt Railway Station, he highlighted the importance of digitalization and improved passenger amenities in revitalizing the national economy.
Railway modernization: Inauguration Ceremony Highlights
During the inauguration ceremony, attended by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, and other dignitaries, PM Sharif announced a collaborative effort between the federal and Sindh governments to modernize the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) and all railway stations nationwide. He praised the recent upgrades at Karachi Cantt Station, which follows the revamping of the Lahore Railway Station, and asserted that similar enhancements will be implemented across the province.
Regional Collaboration for a Unified Railway System
The Prime Minister called for effective cooperation with provincial governments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to establish Pakistan Railways as the preeminent transportation system in the region. He noted that steps are being taken to improve the freight system, particularly through a partnership to transport Thar coal, with equal investment from the federal and Sindh governments. He assured that necessary funds would be allocated to meet project milestones.
Economic Significance of the Shalimar Express
The Shalimar Express, which operates between Karachi and Lahore, has undergone significant upgrades, enhancing its service quality. PM Sharif characterized Karachi as the economic heart of Pakistan, reiterating the need for continued collaboration with provincial governments to modernize the railway network and stabilize the economy.
Commitment to International Railway Projects
The Prime Minister commended Minister Abbasi, referring to him as the "hero of today’s ceremony," and emphasized the federal government’s resolve to collaborate with all provinces to expand the railway network to Central Asia. He highlighted the potential benefits of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway line project and the revival of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul rail route, both of which could significantly boost economic activity.
Sharif also disclosed that Minister Abbasi is in discussions with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a $2 billion loan aimed at upgrading the railway line from Karachi to Rohri, ultimately linking it to the Reko Diq project. In response to Chief Minister Shah’s proposal to include the KCR project in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Prime Minister pledged full support, recognizing the initiative's vital importance.
