Murad, Abbasi agree to restore KCR, launch suburban train services

KARACHI: Sindh government and federal railway authorities agreed on Wednesday to revive key rail services in Karachi and expand connectivity across the province, as part of efforts to manage urban congestion and improve public transport.

The decisions were taken at a high-level meeting held at the Chief Minister’s House, attended by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, along with senior provincial and railway officials.

According to a statement issued from Pakistan Railways here, both sides agreed to restore the long-delayed Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) and launch suburban train services to provide affordable and efficient transport to the city’s residents.

The meeting also decided to introduce new train services linking Karachi with Rohri and Jacobabad via Kotri, Dadu and Larkana, aimed at improving regional connectivity.

“Karachi urgently needs an effective and affordable public transport system,” Shah said, adding that modernizing the rail network would be a key step toward addressing the city’s transport challenges.

The Railways minister said joint efforts by the federal and provincial governments would help transform Pakistan Railways into a modern and reliable system.

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon - holding Information, Transport and Mass Transit portfolios - said bus rapid transit (BRT) services would operate as feeder routes once the KCR becomes functional, enhancing last-mile connectivity.

The meeting also addressed infrastructure bottlenecks, with the Sindh chief secretary highlighting delays in obtaining a no objection certificate (NOC) from the Railways authorities for an underpass at Malir Halt. The Railways minister directed officials to issue the NOC immediately to expedite the construction.

Both sides agreed to launch a “green corridor” initiative along railway tracks, including plantation drives and development of green belts to improve the environment and curb encroachments.

The authorities also decided to initiate a strict operation against illegal encroachments on railway land, with the chief minister directing district administrations to extend full support. “Railway land is a national asset and its protection must be ensured,” Abbasi said.

The chief minister further instructed that high-risk railway crossings be upgraded on a priority basis to enhance public safety.

The meeting reaffirmed commitment to strengthening coordination between the Sindh and federal governments, and accelerating infrastructure development to deliver better transport services to the public.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026