Pakistan Railways has launched a significant modernization effort, allocating over 31 billion rupees for the upgrade and rehabilitation of its core network through six major development projects. This substantial investment, undertaken under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), aims to enhance safety standards, improve operational efficiency, and provide faster, more reliable travel for both passengers and freight operators.
The targeted projects focus on critical sections across the country’s railway divisions. In the Sukkur Division, the Rohri to Khanpur section will see safety works costing 4.87 billion rupees, while the Tando Adam to Rohri section is allocated 4.83 billion rupees. The Karachi Division’s Kiamari to Hyderabad section is set for 5.4 billion rupees in essential track safety upgrades.
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Furthermore, the Lahore and Multan Divisions will benefit from a 6.3 billion rupee investment for the Khanewal to Shahdara section, connecting major cities like Shorkot, Faisalabad, and Qila Sheikhupura. Additional projects include the 4.9 billion rupee upgrade of the Sher Shah to Kandiah section in the Multan Division and a 5.49 billion rupee project on the Rohri to Sibi section in Sukkur Division.
A key outcome of these upgrades will be a substantial reduction in travel time across these vital corridors. Completion is expected to cut travel time by 55 minutes on the Tando Adam-Rohri route, 27 minutes between Rohri and Khanpur, 25 minutes from Kiamari to Hyderabad, 40 minutes on the Khanewal-Shahdara section, 56 minutes between Rohri and Sibi, and 106 minutes on the Sher Shah to Kandiah section.
This comprehensive initiative represents a crucial step towards revitalizing Pakistan’s rail infrastructure, promising safer, more efficient, and faster journeys while boosting the national logistics and transport framework.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the total amount being invested by Pakistan Railways?
Pakistan Railways is investing over 31 billion Pakistani rupees across six major track upgrade and safety projects.
Which railway sections are being upgraded?
The investment covers sections in Sukkur, Karachi, Multan, and Lahore Divisions, including Rohri-Khanpur, Tando Adam-Rohri, Kiamari-Hyderabad, Khanewal-Shahdara (via Shorkot/Faisalabad), Sher Shah-Kandiah, and Rohri-Sibi.
What is the main goal of this investment?
The primary goals are to improve track safety, enhance operational efficiency, reduce travel times, and provide more reliable passenger and freight services.
How will travel times be affected?
Travel times are projected to be significantly reduced on all upgraded sections, with savings ranging from 25 minutes to nearly 2 hours, depending on the route.
