Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif inaugurated the upgraded Karachi Cantt Station following a major renovation, marking the relaunch of the Shalimar Express with a new train and modern facilities.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Shahbaz Sharif praised the station’s refurbishment, noting the impressive first-class and economy-class sections. He highlighted upgrades including passenger waiting areas, a dining room, and an automated ticketing system, adding that outsourcing the train’s operations had improved service quality. He also congratulated Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi for his leadership in the project.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of revitalizing Karachi’s railway infrastructure, saying the city’s railway system had become outdated and required extensive upgrades. He stressed that the cleanliness of stations falls under Karachi Waste Management and expressed hope that restoring the Central Asia route could significantly boost Pakistan’s economy.
Shahbaz Sharif expressed confidence in the project’s timely completion, promising that funds for further railway modernization would be provided promptly. He also highlighted plans to expand Pakistan Railways’ operations in collaboration with provincial governments, including Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and to improve the freight system.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to develop a modern Karachi Circular Railway and said that modern facilities are being introduced at stations nationwide. He also noted ongoing restoration work on older railway buildings.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi stated that the Cantt Station upgrade was completed in a short period and that significant reforms had been implemented in the past eight months, improving overall railway operations and efficiency.
