On 17 November 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated Karachi Cantt Station with major upgrades and relaunched the Shalimar Express Karachi–Lahore service. The project promises modern amenities, digital‑first systems, 24/7 cleaning, and upgraded coaches.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially opened the newly upgraded Cantt Station Karachi. The overhaul includes two CIP lounges (approx. PKR 300 for three hours), three spacious waiting halls, four escalators, and executive washrooms. A computerized ticketing system and modern information desks now serve passengers.
Commuters can now file complaints right from their phones via a QR‑code system, sending feedback directly to the Railways Ministry. Pakistan Railways has teamed up with the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board for mechanical, round‑the‑clock cleaning of platforms and tracks.
A new announcement system and standardised stalls replace the older, cluttered setup — all part of the Karachi Cantt Station upgrades to make travel smoother and more reliable.
Shalimar Express Karachi Relaunched
At the same event, the Shalimar Express Karachi–Lahore was relaunched as a fully upgraded service. PM Sharif inspected a refurbished rake now described as “near‑new.”
Onboard, passengers will find a live kitchen, a modern dining car serving hot meals to food‑safety standards, and free Wi‑Fi throughout the journey. Trained staff will guide travellers from boarding to arrival.
Shehbaz Sharif positioned this launch as part of a national push to digitise Pakistan Railways and strengthen the economy. He also committed to modernising the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) with Sindh’s support.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi confirmed that 14 trains will be outsourced, and railway hospitals and schools will go under private administration (with protections for staff).
