ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress on the Pakistan Railways Transformation Plan, issuing clear directives to authorities to ensure the completion of all railway development projects within their stipulated timelines while upholding the highest standards of engineering and operational quality. Echoing the government’s focus on infrastructure, the PM Shehbaz Sharif Directs Timely Completion of National Development Projects remains a key priority for the current administration.

Modern Infrastructure for Economic Growth

The Prime Minister underscored that Pakistan Railways serves as the most cost-effective and efficient mode of transportation for both passengers and freight. He remarked that a modernized, efficient railway network is fundamental to strengthening the country’s economy, accelerating trade growth, and enhancing vital regional connectivity. He further emphasized that the comprehensive modernization of rail infrastructure would cement Pakistan’s status as a critical regional trade and logistics hub.

Progress on Main Line Upgradation

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed relevant authorities to submit detailed proposals for the strategic upgradation of the Rohri-Multan section of Main Line-1 (ML-1). Briefings were provided on the status of major initiatives, including the ML-1 and ML-3 upgradation projects, as well as the Thar Coal Rail Connectivity Project. Officials confirmed that the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) for the Karachi-Rohri section of ML-1 is now complete. Additionally, the ML-3 Rohri-Nokundi upgradation project is slated for implementation under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), supplemented by bridge financing arrangements.

Thar Coal Rail Connectivity and Institutional Reforms

Providing updates on energy logistics, officials noted that 60 percent of the work on the 112-kilometre Thar Coal Rail Connectivity Project—which links the Thar coalfields to Chhor Railway Station—has already been completed, with a targeted finalization date set for December 2026. Furthermore, following the Prime Minister’s directives, an international consultant has been appointed to spearhead comprehensive reforms within Pakistan Railways. The meeting also addressed the institutional restructuring, confirming that railway-operated schools and hospitals have been outsourced, while planning has commenced for the commercial utilization of six major railway stations across the country. The high-level session was attended by Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatization Muhammad Ali, and Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani.