Karachi: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has announced that the CIP lounge being constructed at Karachi Cantt Station will surpass European standards and will be inaugurated on September 30.
Addressing traders and industrialists at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he stated that stations across Sukkur, Hyderabad, and other cities are also being modernized. Wi-Fi facilities are being introduced at 40 stations, while 155 are being solarized—60% of which have already been completed.
In Karachi alone, 27 stations are undergoing solarization.
He revealed that with $2 billion financing from the Asian Development Bank, work is starting to upgrade the Karachi–Rohri railway track, reducing travel time by up to four hours over the 480-kilometer stretch.
Projects are also in motion to establish rail links from Karachi to Afghanistan and from Karachi to Gwadar.
He said Pakistan Railways is being fully digitized, with Wi-Fi and ATM machines to be installed at all stations.
The minister added that 11 trains have already been outsourced, nine more will follow within six days, and by December 31, the total will reach 38.
Railway hospitals and schools—eight hospitals and 14 schools—will also be outsourced.
Abbasi clarified that fares cannot be reduced immediately, but strict action will be taken against fare evaders, as ticketless travel causes annual losses of Rs. 1 billion.
He revealed that coaches and engines received eight years ago were of poor quality, and investigations have begun.
Recent flooding has also disrupted train schedules and revenue.
Abbasi further said there is heavy demand for freight services.
Pakistan Railways has provided two trains to the NLC, which has requested ten more.
Coal transportation and container demand are also high, with up to 15,000 containers requiring movement, but the railways currently handle only 150.
Plans are underway to outsource freight trains as well. With projects like Reko Diq expected to mature by 2028, freight demand will increase significantly.
While no railway property will be sold, some land may be leased.
The anti-encroachment drive has already reclaimed assets worth Rs. 15 billion, and Rs. 50 billion worth of land will be recovered this year.
An important agreement with the Sindh government is also being finalized, under which the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board will take charge of cleanliness at Karachi railway stations and on trains.
This will reduce washing time for trains from three hours to one and a half hours and fumigation will ensure a pest-free environment for passengers.
Earlier, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Javed Bilwani noted that after long-running losses, Pakistan Railways has finally posted a profit of Rs. 2.25 billion.
He stressed that cargo transportation through railways could further increase revenues, especially for goods destined for Afghanistan.
He also urged the government to revive the Karachi Circular Railway under CPEC.
Businessmen Group Chairman Zubair Motiwala said that during the British era, 80% of cargo was transported by rail, and tracks still exist in Landhi’s large mills.
He questioned why 95% of cargo is now moved by road, asking if there is a secret agreement with the NLC.
Highlighting Karachi’s status as a port city without a bypass, he said both Karachi Port and Port Qasim handle the country’s trade needs but lack adequate railway access.
He also stressed that Punjab’s agriculture should be connected to the rail network and revealed that JICA had offered to run the Circular Railway free for 10 years.
ALSO READ: Pakistan Railways suspends three trains including Bolan Mail
If operational, the project could reduce accidents by up to 70%.
