Major Sindh Railway Upgrade 2026: Rs.63bn Plan, New Trains, Routes & Safety Projects. The Sindh and federal governments have approved a Rs.63 billion railway upgrade plan for 2026 to modernize rail transport across the province.
This long-awaited decision targets outdated tracks, limited passenger services, and safety risks that have weakened public trust in rail travel.
Major Railway Upgrade Ahead in Sindh (2026 Overview)
The Sindh Railway Network Overhaul 2026 officially moved forward after consensus between the Sindh Government and the Federal Government of Pakistan.
During a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s House, Syed Murad Ali Shah and Hanif Abbasi reviewed the province’s deteriorating rail infrastructure and approved immediate execution.
Officials confirmed that funds will be released without delay to avoid the administrative bottlenecks that stalled earlier railway projects.
Why Sindh’s Railway Network Needed Urgent Overhaul
Sindh’s rail system has suffered from decades of underinvestment. Many routes operate below capacity, while others stopped functioning entirely. This forced millions of commuters to rely on highways, increasing congestion and transport costs.
Key problems addressed
- Aging tracks causing delays
- Limited passenger train availability
- Unsafe railway crossings
- Poor station facilities
The 2026 plan focuses on long-term rail sustainability, not temporary fixes.
Rs.63 Billion Investment Plan at a Glance
| Component | Coverage | Cost (Rs. Billion) | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track rehabilitation | 858 km across 6 routes | 33.0 | Faster, reliable travel |
| DMU train sets | 6 modern units | 27.6 | Comfortable passenger services |
| Maintenance facilities | Province-wide | 2.66 | Long-term system stability |
| Railway crossing safety | 308 crossings | 6.0 | Fewer accidents |
| Rohri station upgrade | 1 major station | ~1.0 | Better passenger experience |
Total Estimated Cost: Rs.63.26 Billion
Priority Railway Corridors Approved for 2026
The project begins with two high-impact corridors that connect economic and population centers.
Karachi–Kashmore Corridor
This route links Karachi with northern Sindh districts where rail access remains limited.
Karachi–Tharparkar Corridor
This line strengthens connectivity with eastern Sindh and reduces over-reliance on road transport.
Why these corridors matter
- Serve remote districts
- Support trade and agriculture
- Reduce highway traffic pressure
858 Kilometres of Track Rehabilitation (Route-Wise)
Six routes were selected based on population demand and infrastructure condition.
| Route | Length (km) |
|---|---|
| Kotri–Dadu | 181 |
| Dadu–Larkana–Habib Kot | 166 |
| Hyderabad–Mirpurkhas–Marvi | 200 |
| Rohri–Jacobabad | 87 |
| Jacobabad–Kashmore Colony | 124 |
| Hyderabad–Badin | 100 |
Total Track Length: 858 km
Upgraded tracks will reduce travel time, fuel costs, and operational disruptions.
Phased Passenger Train Launch Strategy
Passenger services sit at the core of the Sindh Railway Upgrade Plan 2026.
Phase One
- 6 passenger trains launched
- Demand and operations evaluated
Phase Two
- Additional 6 trains introduced
- Network expansion based on data
This phased model limits risk and ensures service quality before full-scale rollout.
Suburban Rail Vision for 37 Million Residents
The overhaul introduces a suburban rail model designed for city-center to city-center travel. Officials estimate that nearly 37 million residents could benefit.
Expected benefits
- Affordable daily commuting
- Predictable travel schedules
- Reduced urban congestion
This system complements existing buses and road networks rather than replacing them.
Railway Crossing Safety Program (Rs.6 Billion)
Safety remains a critical pillar of the 2026 railway upgrade.
Key safety measures
- 308 unmanned crossings converted to manned
- Improved monitoring in high-traffic zones
- Reduced pedestrian and vehicle accidents
Authorities believe safety upgrades are essential to restoring public confidence in rail travel.
Rohri Railway Station Upgrade (6-Month Timeline)
The plan includes a near Rs.1 billion upgrade of Rohri Railway Station, a major junction in upper Sindh.
Planned improvements
- Renovated platforms and buildings
- Six new escalators
- Solar-powered water filtration plant
Completion is expected within six months, setting a model for future station upgrades.
Long-Term Impact of Sindh Railway Upgrade Plan 2026
The railway overhaul aims to rebalance regional development by connecting underserved districts with affordable transport.
Projected outcomes
- Improved regional mobility
- Lower transport costs
- Shift from roads to rail
- Support for trade and local economies
Officials see the project as a foundation for Sindh’s future transport strategy.
FAQs
Is the Sindh railway upgrade approved for 2026?
Yes. Sindh and federal authorities have approved the Rs.63 billion railway development plan for phased implementation starting 2026.
How much is being invested in Sindh railway modernization?
The total estimated investment stands at Rs.63.26 billion, covering tracks, trains, safety, and maintenance.
Which routes will be upgraded first?
Karachi–Kashmore and Karachi–Tharparkar corridors are the top priorities due to high demand and limited alternatives.
How many passenger trains will be launched?
A total of 12 trains will be introduced in two phases, with six trains in each phase.
Conclusion
The Sindh Railway Upgrade Plan 2026 marks a turning point for rail transport in the province. With Rs.63 billion approved, clear timelines, and phased execution, the project promises safer travel, stronger connectivity, and economic balance.
