Key Highlights:
- Karachi’s upgraded railway station is to open on 10 September 2025, which will include digital ticketing, train tracking, and free Wi-Fi.
- Pakistan Railways will outsource trains, facilities, and services by September 30, including opening official saloons to the public.
- Part of Pakistan Railways’ wider push to modernize railway services, including outsourcing operations and expanding facilities nationwide.
Pakistan Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has announced that a state-of-the-art railway station in Karachi will be inaugurated on September 10, 2025, after months of construction and upgrade in the country’s ongoing railway modernization program.
Speaking to the media, Abbasi said the project is the government’s initiative to upgrade the railway network and improve passenger services nationwide. “Under the Prime Minister’s vision, both short and long-term projects are underway across the country to modernize rail operations,” he added.
Overview of Planned Upgrades
The railway’s modernization includes several key developments:
- Digital ticketing systems are now fully automated.
- A train tracking system is operational.
- ATMs have been installed at major stations.
- Wi-Fi services have been rolled out at 40 stations in Punjab and are being extended to Karachi, Hyderabad, and other cities
Outsourcing and Service Changes
By September 30, Pakistan Railways aims to complete the outsourcing of a variety of services, including:
- Nine to eleven passenger and freight trains
- Guest houses, special saloons, hospitals, schools, and other ancillary services
Notably, special saloons previously reserved for officials will now be made available to the public at more affordable rates.
Abbasi also stated that solid waste companies now manage station cleanliness, and food quality is under the supervision of provincial authorities.
The Karachi station’s launch is expected to benefit thousands of daily passengers, improve freight logistics, and strengthen the city’s transportation network. Authorities also hinted at potential integration with other infrastructure projects, such as the Karachi Circular Railway, to further enhance urban connectivity.
