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Pakistan–Kazakhstan $7bn Rail MoU Expected in Feb

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kazakhstan have moved a step closer toward launching a major regional railway connectivity initiative, following a high-level consultation held at the Ministry of Railways in Islamabad between Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the railway sector and advancing Pakistan’s broader regional connectivity agenda. Both sides discussed strategic projects aimed at linking Pakistan with Central Asia through rail corridors, emphasizing the potential economic impact and long-term trade benefits for the region.

Officials stated that the proposed Pakistan–Kazakhstan Rail Connectivity Project has been identified as a strategically significant initiative under the Prime Minister’s Regional Connectivity Vision. Minister Abbasi described the project as a historic development for Pakistan’s railway sector, noting that it could open new avenues for trade expansion and strengthen regional linkages through enhanced transport integration.

Meanwhile, momentum for the agreement is expected to accelerate in the coming weeks, as Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev is scheduled to visit Pakistan on February 3, 2026. The visit is expected to culminate in the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, further solidifying railway cooperation between the two countries and advancing regional integration goals.

According to the discussions, a preliminary railway network linking Karachi Port to Kazakhstan has already been prepared. The network is intended to strengthen trade routes and improve Pakistan’s access to Central Asian markets. 

The plan also envisions extending the railway linkage through Chaman, connecting Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, which could further consolidate Pakistan’s role as a key transit hub for regional commerce.

The initiative, estimated to cost approximately USD 7 billion, is expected to be completed within three years, placing it among the largest railway connectivity projects currently under consideration in the region. Stakeholders believe the project could enhance freight movement, lower transportation costs and contribute to broader economic development.

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CategoriesMass Transit News Transport

Orange Line–Green Line Integration Expands Karachi’s BRT Network

KARACHI: The Edhi Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) has been officially integrated with the Green Line BRT, significantly improving connectivity for commuters in Karachi, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced on Tuesday.

Speaking at the integration ceremony, the minister said the merger has expanded the Orange Line from four to 10 stations, enabling passengers to travel seamlessly from Orangi Town to Nagan Chowrangi. Under the new arrangement, Orange Line buses will operate along the Green Line BRT track, providing improved access and convenience for residents of Orangi Town.

The Orange Line BRT project was initiated in 2016 under the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) as a four-kilometre route from Orangi Town Office to Matriculation Board Office Chowrangi. Initially scheduled for completion in 2017, the project remained stalled for several years and was finally completed in 2022.

The project’s cost was revised twice, with the final budget reaching Rs5.5 billion, including the purchase, maintenance and operation of 20 buses and extension to Nagan Chowrangi. Operational responsibilities were later handed over to the Sindh Infrastructure Development Company Limited (SIDCL) for three years.

The minister also shared updates on the Green Line BRT extension, a 1.8-kilometre stretch from Numaish Chowrangi to Jama Cloth Market, which is expected to be opened to the public by October 31, 2026, according to assurances by Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL).

Memon noted that daily ridership on the Green Line has increased from 55,000 to 75,000 passengers, with a target of 100,000. He highlighted the introduction of a women-only BRT service, the arrival of electric buses, and announced the launch of a double-decker bus service on a trial basis from Malir to Shahrah-e-Faisal starting Wednesday.

He also outlined plans to expand bus services across Hyderabad, Khairpur, Shikarpur and Tando Allahyar, underscoring the Sindh government’s commitment to improving public transport across the province.

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CategoriesNews Transport

KP Government Paves the Way for a Modernised Railway Network

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced plans to introduce modern train services across the province, with a major focus on the proposed Kohat-Kharlachi rail link. This decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi at the KP House in Islamabad.

The Kohat-Kharlachi railway project involves the construction of a 192-kilometre rail track at an estimated cost of $642 million. The project is expected to be completed within two years, with the feasibility study already finalised and land acquisition currently underway. The chief minister emphasised that the project is crucial to improving public transportation, boosting trade, and enhancing economic activity in the region.

Additionally, the meeting discussed a proposal to operate a safari train along the 32-kilometre Jamrud-Landi Kotal railway track to promote tourism. The chief minister directed the relevant authorities to devise detailed plans with clear timelines for all railway projects to ensure timely implementation.

The meeting also highlighted the need for improved cooperation between the KP government and Pakistan Railways to ensure the success of these initiatives. Chief Minister Afridi reiterated his full support for Pakistan Railways, stressing the government’s commitment to providing efficient and accessible public transport services throughout the province.

This initiative is part of the provincial government’s broader vision to modernise infrastructure and stimulate economic development through enhanced transportation networks. The KP government is determined to make significant strides in improving the region’s connectivity and boosting commercial activities.

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