Pakistan has taken the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project out of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework. The government will now look for funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other international lenders. This decision aims to move the important project forward after delays in CPEC financing talks.
The ML-1 project involves upgrading the 1,700-kilometre railway line from Karachi to Peshawar. It was once a flagship CPEC initiative with an estimated cost of around $6.8 to $7.7 billion. The upgrade will improve speed, safety, and capacity for both passenger and freight trains.
Senate and National Assembly committees recently reviewed the project along with other railway matters. They discussed restructuring plans, recent accidents, land encroachments, and progress on related works like the PIPRI project. Officials were asked to submit detailed reports on reforms to modernise Pakistan Railways.
The government is focusing on better governance, accountability, and infrastructure development. Using ADB and other sources may bring stricter conditions but also new expertise and timely funding.
The ML-1 upgrade remains a top priority for improving the country’s transport network.
