Modern Karachi Cantt Station Set to be Inaugurated on September 30

Federal Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi announced major developments in Pakistan Railways, highlighting that the new CIP lounge at Karachi Cantt Station will surpass those in Europe and is set to be inaugurated on September 30. Modernization efforts are also underway at stations in Sukkur, Hyderabad, and other cities.

Speaking at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abbasi highlighted ongoing improvements across Pakistan Railways, including:

• Wi-Fi facilities being installed at 40 stations.

• Solarization of 155 stations, with 60% already completed.

• Solarization efforts at 27 Karachi stations.

The Minister revealed that, with 2 billion rupees in funding from the Asian Development Bank, the Karachi-Rohri railway track will be upgraded, reducing travel time by four hours. A total of 480 kilometers of track from Karachi to Rohri will be improved.

Abbasi also confirmed ongoing projects on the Karachi-Afghanistan railway line and the Karachi-Gawadar route. All stations are being digitized, and Wi-Fi and ATM machines will be installed.

Regarding outsourcing, Abbasi said 11 trains have already been outsourced, with 9 more set to be outsourced within six days. By December 31, 38 trains will be outsourced. Additionally, eight railway hospitals and 14 schools are planned for outsourcing.

Addressing fare concerns, Abbasi stated that increased railway fares cannot be reduced immediately. He warned that passengers traveling without tickets, or those assisting them, will face imprisonment, as fare evasion causes a loss of 1 billion rupees annually.

The Minister noted that coaches and engines received eight years ago were of extremely poor quality, and investigations have been launched. Delays caused by recent floods have further affected operations and revenue.

On freight operations, Abbasi said there is significant demand for freight trains. Two trains have been allocated to the National Logistics Cell (NLC), which has requested 10 more. While 14–15 thousand containers arrive, the railway currently transports only 150. Freight services are also being outsourced.

He added that the Reko Diq project, set to mature by 2028, will increase demand for freight services. No railway property will be sold, though some may be leased.

Highlighting anti-encroachment efforts, Abbasi said properties worth 15 billion rupees have been recovered so far, with an additional 50 billion expected this year.

Finally, Abbasi revealed a new agreement with the Sindh government under which Sindh Solid Waste Management will manage cleaning at Karachi Railway Station and all trains. This will reduce train washing time from three hours to 1.5 hours and include fumigation to protect passengers from bedbugs and other insects.

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