Pakistan Railways Announces Phased Revival of Suspended Routes

Two passenger services will resume in September and October as Pakistan Railways moves ahead with wider network modernisation.

Pakistan Railways Announces Phased Revival of Suspended Routes


Pakistan Railways will restore two suspended passenger services in September and October as part of a phased plan to improve connectivity and revive rail operations across the country.

Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said the Mohenjo Daro passenger train will resume operations on September 15, followed by a train service between Sialkot and Rawalpindi on October 15. Railway authorities have been directed to make the necessary arrangements for the restoration of the services.

The minister said all suspended trains would be restored in phases as the government works to strengthen Pakistan’s ageing railway network. The network has faced challenges including deteriorating infrastructure, slow journey times and financial constraints.

Abbasi also announced plans to construct a 105-kilometre railway track to connect Thar Coal with the national railway network. He said the project could help save around two billion dollars annually, while the railway system would also be modernised to support the transportation of coal from Thar.

Meanwhile, an agreement worth $2.5 billion has been signed with the Asian Development Bank for the upgradation of the Rohri-Karachi railway track. The project is expected to support improvements along a key section of Pakistan’s railway network.

Pakistan Railways has recently intensified efforts to restore passenger services, improve railway stations and modernise infrastructure. The department reported record revenue of Rs115 billion in the last fiscal year, highlighting its efforts to strengthen operations.

Preparations for the long-delayed Main Line-1 (ML-1) upgrade have also entered their final stage, with work scheduled to begin in January. The Karachi-Peshawar railway artery has long been planned for modernisation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), but the project has faced delays over financing and its scope.

The government is now seeking to advance ML-1 in phases, beginning with the Karachi-Rohri section. Abbasi said the project would transform Pakistan Railways and provide a major boost to the country’s railway connectivity and infrastructure.