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The Railways Division submitted the ML-I project summary to ECNEC without arranging finances from the Public Sector Development Programme, China, or any other international financial institution. Photo: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
The work on the Main Line-I (ML-I) project will commence from Karachi Port in July 2026, Minister of Railways Hanif Abbasi announced on Tuesday.
The ML-1 initiative is designed to overhaul and modernise major rail infrastructure, improving both freight and passenger links between Karachi and Peshawar.
Last month, a review meeting on the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects was told that the project would begin in July this year.
During his recent visit to Karachi and a meeting with Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed, Abbasi said a joint strategy has been finalised to enhance the port’s logistics and cargo handling performance.
Both sides agreed to strengthen the railway system to ensure efficient transportation of cargo from Karachi Port, a statement issued on Tuesday said.
The minister outlined major reform initiatives in the cargo transport sector, stressing that serious efforts are underway to shift freight movement from road to rail in order to improve efficiency and reduce logistics costs.
He said Pakistan Railways would significantly expand its cargo handling capacity in the coming months. As part of this initiative, the railway infrastructure connected to Karachi Port will be upgraded and made more effective.
Abbasi further announced that the 54-kilometer railway section between KPT and Pipri will be modernized to facilitate faster and smoother cargo movement.
