Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has positioned the overhaul of Pakistan Railways as a cornerstone of the country's ambition to become a regional trade and logistics hub. During a review meeting on Monday, he directed officials to accelerate upgrades across the network, emphasising the railway's role as a cost-effective and efficient transport mode for both passengers and freight. Main Developments Shehbaz Sharif presided over a session focused on the Pakistan Railways Transformation Plan, where he called for swift upgradation to boost revenue generation. He instructed that all development projects meet stipulated timelines with the highest quality standards, and directed authorities to present proposals for upgrading the Rohri–Multan section of Main Line-1 (ML-1). The meeting received briefings on several key projects. The Detailed Engineering Design (DED) for the Karachi–Rohri section of ML-1 is complete. Upgradation of the ML-3 Rohri–Nok Kundi line will proceed under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and through bridge financing. Read also: 3 suspects remanded in foreign women's abduction, rape case On the Thar Coal Railway Connectivity Project, 60 per cent of the work is finished. This 112-kilometre line, linking Thar Coal to Chhor Railway Station, is expected to be operational by December 2026. An international consultant has been engaged to support broader reforms. Background Last month, the prime minister approved a strategic roadmap for comprehensive reforms in Pakistan Railways, covering service improvements, digitisation, track upgrades, and private-sector investment. The ML-1 project, which aims to modernise the main line from Karachi to Peshawar, is expected to begin construction in July 2026 from Karachi Port, according to Minister Hanif Abbasi's January statement. Earlier steps include outsourcing services at railway-operated schools and hospitals, and initiating commercialisation of six major railway stations. The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Khan Cheema, Hanif Abbasi, Shaza Fatima, PM's Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, and Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani. Why It Matters A modernised railway network could significantly lower logistics costs for businesses, making Pakistani exports more competitive. It also promises to strengthen economic ties with neighbouring countries by improving regional connectivity. For the public, better service and expanded freight capacity may lead to more reliable passenger travel and reduced road congestion. The transformation plan is central to the government's broader economic strategy, as an efficient railway can stimulate trade, attract investment, and support industrial growth. The Thar Coal connectivity specifically aims to unlock energy resources by enabling coal transport to the national grid. What's Next Authorities must now submit specific proposals for the Rohri–Multan section of ML-1. Work on the ML-3 Rohri–Nok Kundi line will advance under PSDP funding and bridge financing. The Thar Coal Railway Connectivity Project targets completion by December 2026. An international consultant will help drive reforms, while commercialisation of six major stations proceeds.