New suburban service aims to bring modern rail travel beyond Karachi, easing daily commutes in upper Sindh.
In a move that could transform daily travel for thousands in upper Sindh, the Sindh government and Pakistan Railways have agreed to launch a new suburban railway service between Rohri and Sukkur.
The plan was revealed after a high-level meeting in Karachi between Sindh Energy Minister Nasir Shah and senior railway officials. While much of the focus in recent years has been on urban transport in Karachi, Shah said it was time to extend reliable, modern rail services deeper into the province.
“This route will serve millions of people who currently depend on crowded buses or unsafe private vans,” Shah noted, adding that the Rohri–Sukkur line will follow the model of Lahore’s suburban rail system — with frequent departures, modern coaches, and affordable fares.
A Priority Route with Wider Vision
Both sides agreed to treat the Rohri–Sukkur section as a priority corridor. A dedicated coordination committee is going to look at the project, ensuring that provincial and federal authorities remain aligned.
Read more: Punjab to spend Rs 350 billion to double-track railway with a focus on ML-1
The talks also touched on the broader ML-1 (Main Line-1) upgrade — Pakistan’s flagship rail modernisation effort — which will eventually link Karachi to Peshawar with faster trains and upgraded infrastructure. In Sindh, this includes station renovations, safer level crossings, and greener surroundings through plantation drives and landscaped station areas.
Concerns Over Karachi Circular Railway
During the meeting, Shah keeps on expressing that frustration over delays in the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) project, saying the provincial government had fulfilled its responsibilities but Pakistan Railways had unexpectedly stopped removing encroachments along the route — a highly appealing step necessary to resume construction.
If delivered as promised, the Rohri–Sukkur suburban rail could prove to be a game-changer for most of the masses living in smaller cities and towns. Faster, safer, and more predictable journeys could cut travel times for workers, students, and traders, easing road congestion and reducing transport costs.
For many in upper Sindh, this would be the first time in decades that rail travel feels like a daily, dependable option — not just a long-distance choice. As one railway official put it after the meeting: “It is all about bringing the comfort of the big city to the smaller ones.”