New Suburban Railway Announced for Rohri to Sukkur Corridor in 2025
New Suburban Railway Announced for Rohri to Sukkur Corridor in 2025
In a significant step toward improving regional connectivity and easing transportation woes, the Sindh government has officially announced a new suburban railway service between Rohri and Sukkur. The ambitious project, developed in collaboration with Pakistan Railways, aims to provide modern, reliable, and cost-effective public transport to residents of northern Sindh.1
The announcement came following a high-level meeting between Sindh Energy Minister Nasir Shah and senior officials from Pakistan Railways, where plans were discussed to extend suburban rail services not only within Karachi but also to other key urban areas across the province.
A Vision for Modern Public Transport in Sindh
Minister Nasir Shah emphasized that the proposed Rohri to Sukkur suburban railway will be modeled after Lahore’s successful suburban rail network. The idea is to create a modern train system that serves as a viable alternative to road transport, helping to ease congestion, reduce travel costs, and provide a more sustainable mode of commuting.
He highlighted that millions of people across Sindh rely on public transportation daily, yet many areas still lack efficient and reliable options. The new suburban railway aims to bridge this gap, connecting two of Sindh’s most important urban centers of Rohri, a key railway junction, and Sukkur, an important commercial and cultural hub.
Project Prioritization and Development Plans
During the meeting, both the Sindh government and Pakistan Railways agreed to declare the Rohri to Sukkur line a priority route. A joint coordination committee will be formed to ensure smooth execution, with representatives from both sides working closely to address operational, technical, and administrative challenges.
The project will not only focus on establishing regular train services but also on modernizing railway infrastructure. This includes:
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Renovation and upgradation of railway stations.
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Improved passenger facilities such as waiting lounges, ticketing systems, and restrooms.
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Enhanced safety at railway crossings through modern signaling systems.
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Development of green belts and landscaping around station areas to improve the overall environment.
The Rohri–Sukkur suburban railway will also be integrated with the larger ML-1 (Main Line-1) railway modernization project, ensuring compatibility with Pakistan’s broader transportation strategy.
Karachi Circular Railway Delays and Lessons Learned
While the announcement has been met with optimism, Minister Shah also voiced concerns regarding the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) project, which has faced repeated delays. According to Shah, although the Sindh government has fulfilled its commitments for KCR, progress has been hampered by Pakistan Railways’ decision to halt the removal of encroachments along the route.
This has served as a reminder that timely coordination between provincial and federal authorities is critical to ensuring that railway projects do not suffer from avoidable delays. Officials are keen to avoid similar bottlenecks in the Rohri–Sukkur project.
Expected Benefits for the People of Sindh
Once operational, the Rohri to Sukkur suburban railway is expected to deliver multiple benefits:
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Reduced Traffic Congestion : By offering a fast and reliable alternative to buses and private vehicles, the railway will ease the heavy traffic that often clogs roads between the two cities.
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Lower Travel Costs : Public rail transport is typically cheaper than road travel, making it a cost-effective option for daily commuters.
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Environmental Sustainability : Rail transport produces significantly lower carbon emissions compared to road transport, supporting the province’s environmental goals.
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Improved Connectivity : The service will connect smaller towns and rural areas along the route to larger economic hubs, fostering regional trade and mobility.
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Economic Boost : Easier and faster transportation can stimulate local economies by making it easier for businesses to move goods and for workers to commute.
The Bigger Picture: Sindh’s Transportation Future
The Rohri–Sukkur project is part of a broader vision to transform Sindh’s public transportation network. Officials believe that investing in modern rail systems is key to addressing urban congestion, reducing environmental impact, and promoting equitable access to mobility.
While Karachi remains the largest urban center in Sindh, the government recognizes the importance of extending transport infrastructure to other regions, ensuring that cities like Sukkur and Rohri are not left behind in the modernization process.
If successful, the project could serve as a model for similar suburban railway services in other parts of Pakistan, potentially transforming the way people travel across the country.
Next Steps and Timeline
The Sindh government and Pakistan Railways are currently finalizing the technical and financial details of the project. Once the feasibility studies are completed and approvals are in place, work on upgrading the Rohri–Sukkur line is expected to begin promptly.
Officials are aiming for a phased rollout, with initial services potentially starting within two to three years. The exact budget allocation will be determined after detailed cost analysis, but early estimates suggest significant investment will be required to modernize tracks, stations, and rolling stock.
Public Response and Community Engagement
The announcement has sparked excitement among residents of both Rohri and Sukkur, many of whom see the project as a long-overdue upgrade to the region’s transport infrastructure. However, locals have also emphasized the need for transparency, timely completion, and affordable ticket pricing to ensure the service truly benefits the wider community.
Minister Shah has assured the public that stakeholder engagement will be a key part of the project’s development process, with feedback from local communities helping to shape the design and operation of the service.
Conclusion
The Rohri to Sukkur suburban railway project represents a bold step toward a more connected, sustainable, and commuter-friendly Sindh. By prioritizing modern rail solutions, the government is not only addressing immediate transport needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term economic and environmental benefits.
If implemented efficiently and without delays, this initiative could transform daily life for thousands of commuters, reduce dependence on road transport, and set a new standard for regional railway development in Pakistan.
