Karachi Circular Railway revival agreed as Sindh, Centre plan new train routes

Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah have agreed to revive the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) and suburban train services, while also deciding to launch new train routes from Karachi to Rohri and from Karachi to Jacobabad (via Kotri, Dadu and Larkana).

A key meeting was held between Murad Ali Shah and Hanif Abbasi along with their respective delegations, where important decisions regarding railway projects in Karachi were taken.

According to the Chief Minister’s spokesperson, the meeting between the Sindh and federal governments took place at the CM House in Karachi.

The Chief Minister stressed that Karachi urgently requires an efficient and affordable public transport system.

Hanif Abbasi said that through joint efforts, the railway system would be modernised and made more reliable.

Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that once KCR is restored, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services will operate as feeder routes.

The Chief Secretary noted that the Sindh government intends to construct an underpass at Malir Halt, but the project has been delayed due to pending approval (NOC) from the railways. Abbasi directed that the NOC be issued immediately.

The meeting also agreed to launch a green corridor and tree plantation drive along railway tracks. The Chief Minister said green belts would help improve the environment and curb encroachments.

A strict operation against encroachments on railway land was also decided, with the Chief Minister directing district authorities to fully cooperate in clearing illegal occupations.

Hanif Abbasi emphasised that railway land is a national asset and must be protected, while Murad Ali Shah called for the immediate upgrading of high-risk crossings, stressing that public safety remains a top priority.

Both sides agreed to strengthen coordination between the Sindh and federal governments and to improve infrastructure, with the Chief Minister reaffirming the commitment to modernise the transport system and provide better facilities to the public.