Sindh govt, Pakistan Railways focus on KCR

Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi have agreed to enhance cooperation between the provincial government and Pakistan Railways in multiple sectors, including the revival of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), outsourcing of key services, removal of encroachments, and upgradation of the Karachi-Rohri passenger train service.

Karachi Circular Railway

The meeting discussed the revival of KCR. The chief minister said the project was an urgent need for Karachi and its delay was unfortunate. He proposed joint preparation of the project by Sindh and Pakistan Railways, with donor agencies and private sector partners also engaged. The initial study of KCR was carried out by JICA from 2008 to 2013, and it was included in CPEC in 2016. The government later prepared a revised feasibility study with China Railway Construction Corporation, estimating the project cost at $2.002 billion. The 43-km loop with 24 stations is expected to serve 650,000 passengers daily, linking east-west and north-south corridors of Karachi. The updated feasibility, however, is still awaiting approval from Chinese authorities.

Encroachment clearance has so far recovered over 11 acres of railway land near Drigh Road, Karachi University, Urdu College, and Gilani stations, though challenges remain at Liaquatabad and Urdu College. The CM assured that Sindh would continue supporting Pakistan Railways in clearing the KCR route and rehabilitating affected communities.

It was decided that cleaning and waste management at Karachi Cantt and City Stations would be outsourced to the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB), with a formal agreement already in place. Cantt Station's washing lines may also be handed over to SSWMB. Sindh government will also assist in upgrading and beautifying major railway stations. CM Shah noted that the provincial government had already constructed the approach road to Cantt Station in 2018.

Karachi-Rohri passenger train upgrade

Federal Minister Abbasi announced that all railway tracks between Karachi and Sukkur (480 km) would be upgraded, and an air-conditioned Karachi-Rohri passenger service would be launched at a cost of Rs6 billion.

CM Shah pledged Sindh's investment in the project, adding that the upgraded up-and-down service would greatly facilitate passengers.

Another flood approaches Sindh on Sept 8

Shah on Friday chaired a meeting at CM House to review flood preparedness and relief efforts as heavy rains and rising river flows pose serious risks across the province.

The CM warned that water levels at Guddu Barrage could peak on September 8, with possible inflows between 700,000 and 900,000 cusecs. He directed officials to ensure timely evacuation, functional relief camps, and coordination among departments.