Karachi’s Modern Railway Station to Open on September 10 as Part of Nationwide Rail Upgrade

Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has announced that Karachi’s modern railway station will be inaugurated on September 10, marking a major milestone in Pakistan Railways’ modernization efforts. The project is part of the Prime Minister’s vision to improve both short-term operations and long-term development in the sector.

Modernization Across the Network

During a recent visit to Faisalabad railway station, Abbasi outlined several recent initiatives designed to elevate passenger experience and operational efficiency. These include:

• Complete digitization of ticketing systems
• Real-time train tracking
• Installation of ATMs at major stations
• Free Wi-Fi at 40 stations in Punjab, in collaboration with the provincial government

Outsourcing and Service Enhancements

Abbasi confirmed that the outsourcing of passenger and freight trains, as well as guest houses, saloons, hospitals, and schools, is set to be finalized by September 30. This step aims to boost revenue and improve service quality.

Special saloons, once reserved exclusively for railway officials, are now available to the public at affordable rates. Station cleanliness is now managed by solid waste management companies, while food quality is monitored by provincial food authorities to ensure high standards.

Major Infrastructure Investments

The Punjab government has allocated Rs. 50 billion for upgrades across eight railway routes. Additionally, Rs. 250 billion is earmarked for the double-tracking and installation of advanced signaling between Lahore and Rawalpindi.

Once completed, these upgrades will reduce travel time between the two cities to just over two hours, greatly improving connectivity and efficiency.

A Landmark Development for Karachi

The opening of Karachi’s modern railway station is expected to set a new benchmark for passenger facilities in Pakistan, combining state-of-the-art infrastructure with digital services. This aligns with the government’s broader vision to make rail travel safer, faster, and more comfortable for millions of passengers.