Pakistan Railways modernisation essential for economic growth: PM Shehbaz

Directs authorities to complete Pakistan Railways' development projects within stipulated timelines

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed authorities to complete Pakistan Railways' development projects within the stipulated timelines and according to the highest quality standards, emphasising that a modern railway network is essential for economic growth, trade, and regional connectivity.

Chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on the progress of the Pakistan Railways Transformation Plan, the prime minister described Pakistan Railways as the "lowest-cost and most effective means of transport for passengers and freight".

PM Shehbaz said that "a modern and efficient railway system will play a key role in promoting the national economy, trade and regional connectivity" and added that the modernisation of railway infrastructure would be crucial in strengthening Pakistan’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub.

اسلام آباد: 20 جولائی، 2026.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت پاکستان ریلویز ٹرانسفارمیشن پلان پر پیش رفت کا جائزہ اجلاس آج اسلام آباد میں منعقد ہوا.

اجلاس سے گفتگو کرتے ہوئے وزیرِ اعظم نے کہا کہ پاکستان ریلویز مسافروں اور مال برداری کے لیے سب سے کم لاگت اور مؤثر ذریعۂ… pic.twitter.com/xsY7Fa1BpL

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 20, 2026

The meeting was briefed on progress related to the ML-1 and ML-3 railway upgrades, Thar coal rail connectivity, and other development projects. Officials told the meeting that the detailed engineering design for the Karachi-Rohri section of ML-1 had been completed.

According to the briefing, the Rohri-Nokundi section of ML-3 will be upgraded through the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and bridge financing arrangements.

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Officials said that around 60% of the work on the 112-kilometre Thar coal railway line linking Thar Coal with Chhor railway station had been completed and that the project was expected to be finished by December 2026.

The prime minister also directed officials to present proposals for the upgrade of the Rohri-Multan section of Main Line-1 (ML-1).

The meeting was informed that international consultants had been hired to support railway reforms on the prime minister’s instructions. Officials added that schools and hospitals operated by Pakistan Railways had been outsourced, while work was underway to commercialise six major railway stations.

The meeting was attended by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima, Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, and other senior government officials.