The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has greenlit the revised PC-I for the ML-1 railway project, a pivotal segment of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), valued at $6.7 billion. The CDWP has advanced the project to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final clearance. Additionally, the Havelian Dry Port project has been linked with the ML-1 endeavor.
Approval of Small Projects and ECNEC Forwarding
Alongside the ML-1 project, the CDWP has sanctioned seven minor projects amounting to Rs 82.2 billion. Furthermore, three projects, including the Muzaffarabad-Mansehra Expressway and the Mirpur-Mangla Road ventures, worth Rs 9.2 billion, have been directed to ECNEC for approval.
NRA China’s Commitment to ML-1
In a recent development, the National Railway Administration (NRA) of China has pledged close collaboration with Pakistan Railways to initiate groundwork for the ML-1 project. Assuring unwavering support, the Chinese government aims for a swift completion of the ML-1 project, recognizing its transformative potential for Pakistan’s railway infrastructure.
Overview of the ML-1 Project
Marked as Pakistan’s first state-of-the-art railway project, ML-1 aims at upgrading and doubling the 1,733-kilometer railway track from Karachi to Peshawar, alongside modern signaling and telecom installations. Noteworthy features include reduced travel durations between major cities, enhanced track capacity, and the construction of key infrastructure components such as bridges, fencing, and grade separations. Upon completion, trains are expected to operate at speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour, promising a significant leap forward in Pakistan’s transportation sector.
