Pakistan seeks faster ADB approval for $2.5bn ML-1 upgrade

Govt targets groundbreaking of Karachi-Rohri section in FY27 and completion within three years; seeks ADB, other development partners' financing for remaining ML-1 sections from Rohri to Peshawar Pakistan has asked the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to expedite approval of financing for the $2.5 billion Karachi-Rohri section of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, as the government targets laying its foundation stone during the current financial year. The request was made by Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi during a meeting with ADB Vice President Yang, where the two sides discussed ML-1 financing, ongoing railway reforms and Pakistan Railways' development strategy. Abbasi said the Karachi-Rohri upgradation was estimated to cost around $2.5 billion and was targeted for completion within three years. Under the government's plan, the 183-kilometre Nawabshah-Rohri section would be taken up on a priority basis. The minister requested ADB to expedite approval of the central investment loan for the project and sought continued cooperation from the bank and other development partners to finance the remaining ML-1 sections from Rohri to Peshawar. According to the minister, the ML-1 upgrade would cut Karachi-Lahore travel time by around five hours while improving train speeds, safety, passenger facilities and operational efficiency. The government also expects the project to increase freight capacity and freight train speeds, as Pakistan Railways seeks to expand cargo operations alongside passenger services. Abbasi briefed the ADB delegation on reforms aimed at improving the railway's financial and operational performance, including infrastructure upgrades, outsourcing, digitalisation and greater use of public-private partnerships and private-sector investment. He said Pakistan Railways was also using technology to improve service delivery, transparency and revenue generation. The ADB vice president acknowledged the ongoing reforms and reaffirmed the bank's commitment to cooperation on the modernisation and sustainable development of Pakistan Railways.