PM Shehbaz Vows to Revive Karachi Circular Railway and Integrate It into CPEC

Karachi: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Monday that the federal government, in partnership with the Sindh government, will revive the long-stalled Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) project and integrate it into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

He made the commitment while inaugurating the new Shalimar Express and upgraded facilities—including modern waiting rooms and a CIP lounge—at Karachi Cantonment Railway Station. The ceremony was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

Responding to the Sindh CM’s request to include KCR under CPEC, PM Shehbaz said the project is “essential for Karachi” and confirmed that he has advocated its importance on international platforms. He expressed optimism that the long-delayed urban rail system would finally move toward implementation.

The prime minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to modernising railway stations across Sindh and the country, highlighting that 54 stations have already been upgraded. He added that digitisation, better facilities, and provincial coordination will strengthen Pakistan Railways and help support the national economy.

PM Shehbaz further outlined plans to expand Pakistan’s rail links to Central Asia, including the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan corridor, and said efforts are underway to revive the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul route to boost regional connectivity and trade. He praised the Railways Ministry for notable progress over the past eight months, including improvements to Karachi Cantt Station and the revival of Shalimar Express.

He also noted that a $2 billion loan from the Asian Development Bank is under discussion to upgrade the Karachi–Rohri line, which will later connect with the Reko Diq project.

CM Murad Ali Shah welcomed the federal backing, stressing that a project of KCR’s magnitude requires national-level support. He also pointed out that, with the Karachi–Hyderabad motorway still incomplete, rail travel remains the most reliable option for thousands of daily commuters.

The event was attended by diplomats, lawmakers, and senior officials. PM Shehbaz formally inaugurated the new Shalimar Express, unveiled the station’s upgrade plaque, and toured the revamped waiting areas, CIP lounge, dining hall, and digital ticketing system.