Karachi, April 22, 2026 – The Sindh government has announced plans to develop the long-awaited Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) as a mega project aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving urban mobility in the country’s largest city.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting between Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, where both sides agreed to accelerate efforts for reviving suburban rail services and modernizing railway infrastructure.
The meeting, held at CM House, focused on restoring Karachi’s suburban train network, including the revival of KCR, rehabilitation of outdated tracks, and launching new train services on key routes such as Karachi-Rohri and Karachi-Jacobabad via Kotri and Dadu. Officials emphasized that a functional suburban rail system would provide an affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative for millions of daily commuters.
Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon highlighted that the KCR would serve as the backbone of Karachi’s mass transit system, with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines operating as feeder services. He confirmed that the Transport Department will develop the KCR project in partnership with the private sector to ensure sustainability and efficiency.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah stressed the urgency of restoring rail-based transport, noting that Karachi’s growing population and traffic congestion require immediate and long-term solutions. “Reviving suburban rail services will significantly reduce traffic pressure and offer affordable commuting options,” he said, calling for stronger coordination between federal and provincial authorities.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi assured full support from Pakistan Railways, pledging to transform the system into a modern and reliable transport network through joint efforts.
The meeting also approved the revival of regional train routes, including Karachi to Rohri and Karachi-Hyderabad to Jacobabad, which are expected to improve connectivity and support economic activity in interior Sindh.
In addition to transport improvements, authorities discussed developing green corridors along railway tracks, particularly from Karachi Cantonment to Jumma Goth, to enhance environmental sustainability and prevent encroachments. The initiative will involve plantation drives led by provincial departments in collaboration with Pakistan Railways.
Encroachments on railway land were identified as a major challenge to the project’s success. The chief minister directed district authorities to support efforts in clearing illegal structures, emphasizing that public infrastructure must be protected.
Both governments also agreed to resolve pending issues such as delayed No Objection Certificates (NOCs), including for the Malir Halt underpass project, and outstanding dues related to railway crossings. Authorities stressed that upgrading high-risk level crossings remains a priority to ensure public safety.
Reaffirming commitment to the project, Murad Ali Shah said the Sindh government would continue working closely with federal authorities to modernize transport infrastructure, improve connectivity, and enhance the quality of life in Karachi.