The government has allocated Rs 40.65 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2026-27 for the Railways Division, covering ongoing schemes, new initiatives and major infrastructure projects aimed at improving regional connectivity, freight efficiency, and overall railway modernization.
According to budget documents issued on Friday, Rs 39,007.870 million has been allocated for ongoing schemes, while Rs 1,650 million has been set aside for new projects.
Among ongoing projects, funding has been provided for institutional strengthening, including upgrades to the Planning, Development, Monitoring and Evaluation (PD&ME) Directorate of the Ministry of Railways in Islamabad, along with the establishment of business development and human resource support units.
The other ongoing work includes rehabilitation of the Sama Satta-Bahawalnagar track section, improvements to terminal facilities and security arrangements at the Marshaling Yard Pipri in Karachi, and renovation and construction of offices and training facilities for the Railway Police in Rawalpindi Division.
The funds have also been allocated for cooperation with academic institutions under a triple helix model, as well as for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)-related support projects within the Ministry of Railways.
Under the new initiatives included a feasibility study for the Trans-Afghan rail link from Kharlachi to Mazar-e-Sharif via Logar, spanning around 647 kilometres, with an estimated cost of over Rs 50.000 million. Another key project involves preparation and readiness support for the upgradation of Main Line-1 (ML-1) under Asian Development Bank financing, aimed at improving project structuring and implementation readiness.
The planning work has also been included for the upgradation of Main Line-3 (ML-3), covering the Rohri-Sibi-Quetta-Koh-e-Taftan corridor.
The major allocations have been made for land acquisition, including over Rs 500.000 million for rail connectivity from Kohat (Zero Point) to Kharlachi via Thall and Parachinar, and over Rs 400.000 million for the Gwadar-Jacobabad rail link via Besima and Khuzdar.
The smaller allocations cover rehabilitation and construction work across different sections, including the Chaman Yard to Pak-Afghan border track and the Sama Satta-Bahawalnagar route.
The overall portfolio reflects a long-term strategy to strengthen regional trade links, particularly with Afghanistan and Central Asia, while upgrading Pakistan Railways’ infrastructure and operational capacity.
Quetta Expo Centre project gets Rs 89m boost
The government has allocated Rs89 million for the completion of the Expo Centre Quetta project under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2026-27, reaffirming its commitment to promoting trade, commerce and business activities across the country.
According to the budget documents released on Friday, the allocation has been made for the ongoing Expo Centre Quetta (Revised) scheme being executed under the Ministry of Commerce.
The project is aimed at providing a modern exhibition and convention facility in Quetta to facilitate trade promotion activities, business networking, industrial exhibitions and investment-related events in Balochistan. Officials believe the establishment of the Expo Centre will help create new opportunities for local businesses, enhance regional trade linkages and showcase the province’s economic potential to national and international investors.
The allocation forms part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen trade infrastructure and support commercial activities through targeted development initiatives under the PSDP 2026-27.