PM inaugurates upgraded Karachi Cantt Station, New Shalimar Express

KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday inaugurated the upgraded Karachi Cantt Railway Station and the New Shalimar Express service on Monday.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, the Sindh chief secretary and other senior officials were also present.

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi briefed the prime minister on the station’s upgradation, saying he was grateful that the premier had personally come to inaugurate the project.

Abbasi said the prime minister had guided the Ministry of Railways throughout the process, adding that major reforms had been introduced in the sector over the past eight months.

He said work on the Karachi City Station would begin soon, while the historic Rohri Railway Station was being upgraded for the first time in 150 years.

“All of this has been achieved in just eight months,” he said, calling Shehbaz Sharif his mentor in politics. Abbasi said that the ministry was also moving towards restoration of heritage buildings.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed the provincial government’s full support for railway development and requested the prime minister to expedite the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway project.

He said Sindh had made significant improvements in the transport sector and sought federal assistance in launching a new mass-transit service for the province.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the modernisation of the Karachi Cantt Station. “The first-class and economy-class facilities are impressive,” he said, adding that cleanliness at the station would be overseen by the Karachi West Management.

He noted that Karachi — once known as the city of lights — had long suffered from a decaying railway system, but the station had now been renovated in a “remarkable manner”.

He praised the refurbished waiting areas, dining rooms and other passenger facilities, and commended Hanif Abbasi for his efforts to transform Pakistan Railways.

“The hard work being done by Hanif Abbasi for the revival of railways deserves appreciation,” he said, adding that the minister was working in partnership with the Sindh government and would expand similar collaborations to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“The federal government stands with the Sindh government,” the prime minister said, highlighting joint federal–provincial efforts for the transportation of Thar coal.

The station now features two state-of-the-art CIP lounges, three waiting halls, executive washrooms, and four escalators.

For passenger convenience, information desks have been installed in line with modern standards.

Passengers can now also submit digital complaints via QR code, which will be received by both the ministry and headquarters.

To maintain cleanliness, Pakistan Railways has partnered with Sindh Solid Waste Management, whose staff will keep the station and surrounding tracks clean 24/7 through mechanical cleaning.

Standard model stalls have been installed to enhance the station’s aesthetics, and a state-of-the-art announcement system ensures accurate and uninterrupted guidance for passengers.

Officials said this upgrade represents another step toward providing modern facilities, with plans to extend similar improvements nationwide.

Shalimar Express train refurbished

The Shalimar Express has undergone a full refurbishment, making the train appear brand new.

The train now features a live kitchen and free Wi-Fi, as well as a modern dining car where hot meals are prepared according to food safety standards.

Trained staff will be available onboard to assist and guide passengers, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience.