LAHORE, May 19 (ABC): Pakistan Railways (PR) is moving ahead with the upgradation of around 1,415 kilometres of branch lines in Punjab while also advancing suburban rail projects worth over Rs44.5 billion in Sindh. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise railway infrastructure and strengthen regional connectivity.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the Ministry of Railways is implementing a comprehensive programme for the expansion, rehabilitation, and modernisation of the national railway network in coordination with provincial governments. The programme aims to improve connectivity, operational efficiency, freight movement, and passenger mobility across the country.
Punjab rail upgrade plan
Pakistan Railways has placed special focus on the Karachi-Rohri Main Line section under the ML-1 project because of its strategic role in passenger transport and freight movement.
The planned work includes track renewal, bridge rehabilitation, installation of modern signalling systems, and telecommunication upgrades. Pakistan Railways also plans to increase train speeds and axle load capacity. These measures can improve safety standards and strengthen operational performance.
Following cabinet approval, Pakistan Railways and the Punjab government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on April 16, 2026. The agreement focuses on the rehabilitation and modernisation of railway infrastructure in the province.
The authorities have prioritised around 1,415 kilometres of branch railway lines for upgradation. These include Rawalpindi-Kasur, Pakpattan-Lodhran, Sargodha-Malakwal, Lala Musa-Chak Jhumra-Shaheenabad, Shorkot-Jhang-Sargodha, Sheikhupura-Shorkot, Kot Adu-Dera Ghazi Khan-Kashmore, Shahdara-Narowal, and Narowal-Sialkot.
The Punjab Transport Department has hired M/s NESPAK to conduct feasibility studies for the projects. The studies are expected to be completed within eight months.
Sindh suburban rail projects
Pakistan Railways has also proposed suburban rail services in Sindh to improve transport facilities and strengthen regional links. The plan identifies two major suburban railway corridors.
The first suburban route will run from Kotri to Rohri through Dadu, Larkana, Habibkot, Jacobabad, and Shikarpur. The corridor will cover a distance of 434 kilometres. Infrastructure development and diesel multiple unit (DMU) services on this route will cost an estimated Rs23,931 million.
The second proposed suburban corridor will connect Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Marvi, and Badin over a distance of 300 kilometres. According to official documents, the estimated project cost stands at Rs20,593 million.
Together, the two suburban railway projects carry an estimated cost of Rs44,524 million, or more than Rs44.5 billion. The government has already started the approval process for both schemes.
Pakistan Railways has also shared future project proposals with the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) for further review and finalisation.
Expected impact on connectivity
The proposed railway improvements can reduce travel time, improve passenger convenience, and support trade activity. The projects can also help create a safer and more efficient transport system across urban and rural areas.
