Over 1,400kms of rail tracks set for major overhaul in Punjab

The Pakistan Railways (PR) is pursuing the upgradation of around 1,415 kilometres of branch lines in Punjab while simultaneously advancing suburban rail projects worth over Rs44.5 billion in Sindh

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th May, 2026) The Pakistan Railways (PR) is pursuing the upgradation of around 1,415 kilometres of branch lines in Punjab while simultaneously advancing suburban rail projects worth over Rs44.5 billion in Sindh.

According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the Ministry of Railways is actively working on a comprehensive program for the expansion, rehabilitation, and modernization of the national railway network in coordination with the provincial governments. The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve connectivity, operational efficiency, and passenger mobility across the country.

Special priority is being accorded to the upgradation of the Main Line from Karachi to Rohri (part of ML-1) in view of its strategic importance for freight movement and passenger transportation.

The planned works include track renewal, rehabilitation of bridges, installation of modern signalling and telecommunication systems, and enhancement of permissible train speeds and axle loads to improve safety standards and operational efficiency.

Following cabinet approval, Pakistan Railways and the Punjab government signed an MoU on April 16, 2026 for the rehabilitation and modernisation of railway infrastructure.

Alongside the Lahore–Rawalpindi section, branch lines spanning approximately 1,415 kilometres have been prioritised, including Rawalpindi–Kasur, Pakpattan–Lodhran, Sargodha–Malakwal, Lala Musa–Chak Jhumra–Shaheenabad, Shorkot–Jhang–Sargodha, Sheikhupura–Shorkot, Kot Adu–Dera Ghazi Khan–Kashmore, Shahdara–Narowal, and Narowal–Sialkot.

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The Punjab Department of Transport has also engaged M/s NESPAK for feasibility studies, which are expected to be completed within eight months.

Besides the branch line upgrades, the Pakistan Railways has also proposed suburban rail services in Sindh to improve transportation facilities for local populations and strengthen regional connectivity. Two major suburban corridors have been identified under the plan.

The first suburban route stretches from Kotri to Rohri via Dadu, Larkana, Habibkot, Jacobabad, and Shikarpur, covering a total distance of 434 kilometres. The estimated cost for infrastructure upgradation and diesel multiple unit (DMU) services on this route stands at Rs23,931 million.

The second proposed suburban corridor connects Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Marvi, and Badin over a distance of 300 kilometres. According to the documents, the estimated project cost for this route is Rs20,593 million.

The two suburban rail projects combined are estimated to cost Rs44,524 million, or over Rs44.5 billion. The approval process for both schemes has already been initiated by the government.

The Pakistan Railways has also shared future project proposals with the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) for further finalisation.

The proposed upgrades and suburban rail services could significantly reduce travel time, improve passenger convenience, promote trade and economic activity, and provide a safer, more efficient transport system across major urban and rural centres of the country.