Pakistan is preparing a major investment in its railway network with plans to upgrade the ML-1 route at an estimated cost of $2.5 billion.
The first phase of the project will focus on the 480-kilometre Karachi to Rohri/Sukkur section, one of the most important parts of Pakistan Railways’ network.
The planned work will cover several areas of railway infrastructure, including tracks, stations, signalling systems and freight facilities. The upgrades are expected to improve safety, reduce operational delays and make rail services more efficient.
A major target of the project is to increase train speeds. After the improvements, trains on the upgraded corridor could potentially travel at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour.
The ML-1 route is particularly important for the country’s transport system. The corridor currently handles around 76% of passenger traffic and approximately 98% of Pakistan Railways’ freight movement.
Modernising the route could therefore have a wider impact on passenger travel and the movement of goods across the country. Better rail infrastructure could also support faster transportation and improve the overall efficiency of Pakistan’s logistics network.
The planned investment represents a significant step toward upgrading Pakistan’s ageing railway infrastructure and strengthening one of the country’s most heavily used transport corridors.
