ADB aims to finalize ML-1 design within October

September 10, 2026 (MLN): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has stated that its technical team and project consultants are actively working to finalize the design of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project within October, after which it would move forward with procurement and subsequent stages in close coordination with the government.

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Senator Ahad Cheema held a meeting with the ADB delegation to review progress on the ML-1 project, with particular focus on timely finalization of the project design and subsequent preparatory requirements, said a press release issued.

The meeting was attended by ADB Country Director for Pakistan Emma Fan, ADB Deputy Country Director, Secretary Railways Mazhar Ali Shah, Secretary Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim, Director General Planning of the Ministry of Railways, and other senior officials from relevant ministries and departments.

Senator Cheema appreciated the progress made by ADB and its technical teams and emphasized the importance of maintaining close coordination among all stakeholders to facilitate timely completion of the ongoing work.

The Minister said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif attaches high priority to the ML-1 project and is keen to see it move toward implementation at the earliest possible stage.

He assured the ADB delegation that the Government of Pakistan remains fully prepared to complete all requirements on its part in a timely manner and extend necessary facilitation throughout the process.

The Minister also called for continued review of the implementation schedule to identify opportunities, where feasible, to optimize timelines while ensuring full compliance with all technical, legal, and procedural requirements.

The ADB delegation appreciated the government's commitment to advancing the project and assured that it would continue working closely with the government to facilitate timely progress.

They added that requirements related to subsequent processing and approvals, including those concerning consideration by the ADB Board, would be shared with the government in a timely manner.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Government of Pakistan and ADB to maintaining close coordination for timely finalization of the project design and steady progress toward implementation of the ML-1 project.

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