Govt eyes ADB funding for ML-1 section in upcoming fiscal year

May 23, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan is moving to secure Asian Development Bank financing for the Karachi–Rohri section of the Main Line-1 railway project in the upcoming fiscal year, with the government determined to hold the groundbreaking ceremony before the year is out.

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema reaffirmed that the Karachi–Rohri section will be implemented unconditionally, describing it as a starter package of the broader ML-1 corridor stretching from Karachi to Peshawar, according to a press release issued.

The government is also in active talks with other development partners to finance the remaining sections of the project, which is expected to significantly boost freight movement and transform railway services across the country.

The commitment emerged during a high-level meeting chaired by Minister Cheema to review the implementation framework of the ML-1 Karachi–Rohri Section.

Secretary Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim and Secretary Railways Mazhar Ali Shah briefed participants on ongoing work and preparatory arrangements, while ADB Country Director Emma Fan and senior ADB officials also took part in the discussions.

The Minister directed the Ministry of Railways to accelerate documentation in close coordination with the ADB and the Economic Affairs Division, and to work with the Planning Division to ensure the PC-1 and other mandatory project requirements are ready in time.

ADB Country Director Fan appreciated the progress made by both ministries, reaffirmed the bank's commitment to expediting documentation, confirmed timely hiring of the PRF consultant, and pledged to minimize the project review timeline to facilitate swift implementation.

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