Pakistan Railways modernization essential for economic growth: PM Shehbaz

 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed authorities to finish Pakistan Railways’ growth tasks inside the stipulated timelines and in response to the best high quality requirements, emphasising {that a} trendy railway community is important for financial development, commerce, and regional connectivity. 

Chairing a overview assembly in Islamabad on the progress of the Pakistan Railways Transformation Plan, the prime minister described Pakistan Railways because the “lowest-cost and handiest technique of transport for passengers and freight”.

PM Shehbaz mentioned that “a contemporary and environment friendly railway system will play a key function in selling the nationwide economic system, commerce and regional connectivity” and added that the modernisation of railway infrastructure can be essential in strengthening Pakistan’s function as a regional commerce and logistics hub.

The assembly was briefed on progress associated to the ML-1 and ML-3 railway upgrades, Thar coal rail connectivity, and different growth tasks. Officers instructed the assembly that the detailed engineering design for the Karachi-Rohri part of ML-1 had been accomplished.

In response to the briefing, the Rohri-Nokundi part of ML-3 will probably be upgraded via the Public Sector Improvement Programme (PSDP) and bridge financing preparations.

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Officers mentioned that round 60% of the work on the 112-kilometre Thar coal railway line linking Thar Coal with Chhor railway station had been accomplished and that the mission was anticipated to be completed by December 2026.

The prime minister additionally directed officers to current proposals for the improve of the Rohri-Multan part of Fundamental Line-1 (ML-1).

The assembly was knowledgeable that worldwide consultants had been employed to help railway reforms on the prime minister’s directions. Officers added that colleges and hospitals operated by Pakistan Railways had been outsourced, whereas work was underway to commercialise six main railway stations.

The assembly was attended by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Financial 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 different senior authorities officers.