Pakistan Railways is all set to resume the phased operation of KCR from 16th November along 60 kilometers distance from Pipri to Orangi stations Karachi. Four trains in Up and Down directions will commute the passengers between Pipri and Orangi stations with a uniform gap of three hours. The first train will depart the Orangi station at 7 am in the morning followed by subsequent departures at 10 am, 1 pm and 4 pm. Simultaneously, departures shall also take place from Pipri station. A uniform fare of Rs. 50 per travel has been fixed. The government has decided to complete much awaited Karachi Circular Railways for Karachi by mid-2023. During a meeting in September, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar was informed that work has started on various phases of KCR project and timely completion of each phase will be ensured. The Ministry of Railways is also constantly in touch with the Sindh government and work on underpasses at various places is expected to start soon. Asad Umar directed Pakistan Railways to formulate a system of public-private partnership for the third phase of KCR project. He said that Karachi Circular Railway is an important project; it will not only provide modern transport facilities to the people of Karachi but it will also be a very attractive project for investment. It was decided in the meeting that necessary steps would be taken immediately to involve private sector in the project. This process will be completed within the current financial year and work on the third phase will be ensured. Further, the Public Private Partnership Authority will provide necessary full cooperation and assistance to the Ministry of Railways in this regard. It was also stated in the meeting that construction of Karachi Circular Railway will now be completed in the next three years by mid-2023.
