Pakistan Railways moves ML-1 project toward execution

December 18, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan Railways has finalized an agreement with the Asian Development Bank for the Main Line-1 project marking a major step toward upgrading the country’s main rail corridor linking Karachi with Peshawar.

The development came during a meeting in Islamabad between Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Defence Secretary Lieutenant General Muhammad Ali.

Secretary Power Division Dr Fakhar Alam Irfan and Director General National Logistics Cell Major General Farrukh Shehzad Rao were also present.

The ML-1 project is now moving toward execution and is expected to improve train speeds increase passenger and freight capacity and strengthen safety standards, according to the press release.

The ML-1 corridor carries the majority of Pakistan’s rail traffic and is considered critical for logistics trade and long-term economic activity.

During the briefing the railways minister said Pakistan Railways is undergoing reforms at an accelerated pace through coordinated planning and operational restructuring aligned with the prime minister’s vision.

He said Pakistan’s first Safe and Smart Railway Station has been established in Rawalpindi.

The station operates a 24-hour artificial intelligence-based monitoring system supported by 184 surveillance cameras aimed at improving security and real-time oversight.

As part of digitization efforts a Rail Tag system has been introduced to allow real-time tracking of trains and rolling stock. The system is expected to improve transparency asset management and operational efficiency across the network.

To curb overloading a weigh bridge has been made operational in Karachi. Railway officials said the measure will support safer train operations reduce wear on tracks and help increase revenue through improved freight controls.

On passenger services officials said free Wi-Fi is now available at major railway stations covering nearly 70% of total passenger footfall.

ATM machines have also been installed at several stations to support cashless transactions.

The minister said multiple railway stations have been upgraded trains have been refurbished and CIP lounges have been set up to improve passenger comfort. Additional measures are under way to further enhance service quality.

Senior officials present at the meeting welcomed the reform measures and expressed confidence in the railways ministry’s direction.

They agreed to strengthen institutional cooperation and coordination to support infrastructure development public welfare and national connectivity goals.

Pakistan Railways has faced financial operational and safety challenges in recent years. Officials said progress on ML-1 alongside digitization and service upgrades is central to restoring efficiency reliability and competitiveness in the rail sector.

The Asian Development Bank has reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s ML-1 project as the government pursues macroeconomic stabilization and fiscal consolidation.

The commitment came during a meeting between ADB Central and West Asia Department Director General Leah Gutierrez and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema in Islamabad.

The discussion focused on aligning development financing with Pakistan’s stabilization agenda and improving project readiness to enable timely disbursements.

The government confirmed plans to move ahead with ML-1, designed to modernize the north–south corridor, improve freight and passenger capacity, and support trade and logistics.

Efforts were also outlined to channel development resources more effectively in coordination with provincial governments.

ADB acknowledged progress on fiscal consolidation and macroeconomic recovery and confirmed close coordination with Pakistani authorities on ML-1.

The bank is working with the World Bank to identify implementation bottlenecks and strengthen preparatory work to reduce delays.

Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation across priority sectors supporting Pakistan’s development needs, including transport infrastructure and economic reforms.

ADB Country Director Emma Fan and senior officials from the Economic Affairs Division and ADB attended the meeting.

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