Govt to lay ML-1 Karachi–Rohri foundation stone this fiscal year

September 03, 2026 (MLN): Government has committed to laying the foundation stone for the Karachi–Rohri section of the ML-1 railway upgradation project during the current financial year, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said.

The Karachi–Rohri ML-1 upgradation is estimated to cost approximately $2.5bn and is targeted for completion within three years. In line with the Prime Minister's directions, the 183-kilometre Nawabshah–Rohri section will be taken up on a priority basis, according to the press release.

The Federal Minister requested the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to expedite the approval process for the central investment loan for the project, and expressed Pakistan's desire to continue cooperation with the ADB and other development partners for financing the remaining sections of ML-1 from Rohri to Peshawar.

ML-1 upgradation is expected to reduce Karachi–Lahore travel time by approximately five hours, providing significant convenience to passengers.

The project will also improve train speeds, passenger facilities, safety, operational efficiency and the overall performance of Pakistan Railways.

"ML-1 is the backbone of Pakistan Railways. Its improvement will enhance the efficiency, sustainability and performance of the entire railway system," the Minister said.

Comprehensive reforms are being undertaken in Pakistan Railways to improve financial sustainability, governance, operational efficiency, development and revenue generation.

Reforms including infrastructure upgradation, outsourcing and digitalization are being implemented at an accelerated pace, with special attention being given to expanding opportunities for public-private partnerships and private sector investment.

Modern IT and technology are being utilized to make railway services more efficient, transparent and passenger-friendly, with the core objective of improving passenger facilities, operational viability, financial sustainability and revenue generation.

The Minister also highlighted the strategy to expand freight operations alongside passenger services. Rail-based freight transportation is safer and more economically efficient compared to road transportation, and Pakistan Railways is focusing on increasing its freight capacity.

ML-1 upgradation would create opportunities to increase freight train speeds and the overall freight capacity of Pakistan Railways.

Federal Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi appreciated the continued support of the Asian Development Bank for the development and modernization of Pakistan Railways and expressed the desire to further strengthen cooperation with the ADB.

The remarks came during a meeting between ADB Vice President Yang and Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi at the Ministry of Railways, where the two sides held detailed discussions on the upgradation and financing of ML-1, ongoing railway reforms and the future development strategy of Pakistan Railways.

ADB Vice President Yang appreciated the ongoing reform initiatives in Pakistan Railways and the efforts of the Federal Minister, and reaffirmed the ADB's commitment to continuing cooperation for the improvement, modernization and sustainable development of Pakistan Railways.

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