Pakistan: Travel between Lahore and Karachi made easier with new Shalimar Express

Dubai: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday inaugurated the newly upgraded Shalimar Express and unveiled modern facilities at Karachi Cantt Railway Station, making travel between Lahore and Karachi faster, safer, and more comfortable.

Addressing the ceremony, PM Shehbaz highlighted the digitisation of Pakistan Railways and the introduction of modern amenities as key steps to strengthen the national economy. He emphasised that the federal government, in collaboration with Sindh, would modernise the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) and upgrade railway stations across the country.

Revamped station

The Prime Minister toured the revamped waiting areas, CIP lounge, dining hall, and computerised ticketing system at Karachi Cantt, accompanied by federal ministers, senior railway officials, and the railways police chief. The event was also attended by foreign diplomats, Parliament members, and provincial officials, including Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, according to APP.

PM Shehbaz praised Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi for his leadership, noting that after the successful revamp of Lahore Railway Station, Karachi Cantt now offers contemporary facilities for travellers. He said the upgraded Shalimar Express will provide passengers with a modern and comfortable travel experience between the country’s two major cities.

Future plans

He also stressed ongoing collaboration with provincial governments to extend modernisation across the railway network and support economic stability.

Future plans include extending railway links to Central Asia, including the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan route, and reviving the Islamabad—Istanbul rail corridor.

Abbasi, speaking at the ceremony, said that significant improvements had been made in just eight months, including modernising Karachi Cantt and renewing the Shalimar Express. He confirmed ongoing work at Rohri and Karachi City stations, as well as progress on the ML-1 project.