Ahsan Iqbal Calls for Full Modernization of Pakistan Railways' Main Line-1
At a Development Partners Dialogue in Mongolia, the Planning Minister says the Karachi-Rohri section, costing around $2.5 billion, is the most advanced part of the ML-1 project, with ADB leading the financing.
Ahsan Iqbal calls for full modernization of Pakistan Railways' Main Line-1, highlighting the $2.5 billion Karachi-Rohri section with ADB financing.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has called for complete modernization of Pakistan Railways' Main Line-1 (ML-1) to strengthen trade and regional connectivity. He was addressing the Development Partners Dialogue on "Advancing Trade, Tourism and Regional Competitiveness" in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Why ML-1 Matters
The Minister said ML-1 is the backbone of Pakistan's railway network and carries the bulk of passenger and freight traffic. He said modernization of the Karachi-Peshawar corridor would increase line capacity, improve train speeds, and reduce travel time between Karachi and Rohri.
Karachi-Rohri Section Leads
Ahsan Iqbal said the Karachi-Rohri section, costing around $2.5 billion, is the most advanced component of the ML-1 modernization project, with the Asian Development Bank leading the financing effort.
Rest of the Corridor
He said Pakistan is also working on a financing mechanism for the remaining sections from Rohri to Peshawar, stressing that ML-1 should be completed as an integrated Karachi-Peshawar corridor.
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