🚆 Revival of Key Rail Link via Kot Addu & Southern Punjab
A significant development in early 2025 was the launch of a shuttle train service between Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan via Kot Addu, marking a major step toward restoring a vital rail connection in southern Punjab. Announced to begin on April 16, 2025, this service reconnects the disrupted track that had been damaged during the devastating floods of 2022 .
The reopened segment operates with three economy-class coaches (from the popular Musa Pak rake), and fares are set at Rs 160 per segment—Multan to Kot Addu and Kot Addu to DG Khan, totaling Rs 320 for a single trip. This rail link restoration not only restores public transit options but also strengthens the logistical network for local agricultural markets, industry, and daily commuters.
The line forms part of Pakistan Railways’ broader initiative to rehabilitate over 789 km of branch lines—including the Multan–Kot Addu and Kot Addu–Mianwali tracks—under the Public Sector Development Programme to improve speed and reliability .
Additionally, the Sher Shah–Kot Addu Branch Line, stretching 74 km with 10 stations, has long served as a strategic connector between Main Line 1 (Karachi–Peshawar) and Main Line 2 (Kotri–Attock). Its revival now significantly enhances cantonment and freight linkage across Punjab .
🔧 2. Strategic Role of ML‑2 (Kotri–Attock Line)
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Main Line 2 runs along the Indus River and connects through Kot Addu to Dera Ghazi Khan and beyond.
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A feasibility study highlights ML‑2’s potential for regional freight diversion and enhancement—though current conditions remain subpar, with speeds as low as 30 km/h .
🚉 3. Station & Infrastructure Upgrades
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Kot Addu station was among six stations refurbished under a flood-recovery drive; enhancements included platform and structural repairs totaling about Rs 25 million .
🌍 4. Branch Line Investments & Suburban Expansion
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In June 2025, Pakistan Railways announced a Rs 250 billion investment over three years for railway modernization in Punjab, which includes a planned Kot Addu–Dera Ghazi Khan–Kashmor suburban rail service .
🔜 5. Upcoming Modernization (ML‑1 & ML‑2 under CPEC/Vision 2026)
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As part of China–Pakistan CPEC and “Vision 2026”, Main Line 1 is being fully dualized and brought to 160 km/h speeds. Simultaneously, ML‑2—including the Kot Addu segment—is scheduled for phased upgrade from 2022 to 2027, which includes track renewal, better signaling, and enhanced grade separation.
