KARACHI: The Sindh government and Pakistan Railways have agreed to revive and expand suburban train services and develop green corridors in Karachi, a move aimed at improving urban transit and environmental conditions. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, focusing on the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), new train services on the Karachi-Rohri and Karachi-Jacobabad routes, and anti-encroachment measures.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, the meeting, held at CM House, included discussions on the sustainable operation of suburban rail services, particularly the KCR, as an affordable transport solution. The Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon highlighted the significance of KCR as a vital component of Karachi’s transportation infrastructure. Chief Minister Shah and Minister Abbasi underscored the necessity of coordinated efforts between federal and provincial authorities to rehabilitate infrastructure and ensure regular operations.

The dialogue also covered the construction of an underpass at Malir Halt and the revival of train services to Rohri and Jacobabad, with Minister Nasir Shah emphasizing the financial viability of these routes. Additionally, the proposal for green corridors along railway tracks, in collaboration with the Government of Sindh, was welcomed for its potential environmental benefits and encroachment prevention.

Anti-encroachment operations and the safety of railway level crossings were also focal points, with assurances of administrative support and cooperation from both governments to protect railway land and upgrade infrastructure. The collaboration aims to modernize transport infrastructure, improve connectivity, and enhance urban life in Sindh.