Despite facing ongoing financial constraints and slow progress on existing projects, Pakistan Railways is pushing to begin construction on the long-delayed Main Line-1 (ML-1) project within the next fiscal year. Chairman Railways Syed Mazhar Ali Shah announced this during a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Railways on Tuesday.
ML-1: A Game-Changer for Pakistan’s Railway Network
The ML-1 project, which is expected to cost Rs. 2,298.18 billion, is considered the backbone of Pakistan’s future transportation infrastructure. It aims to overhaul the country’s most crucial railway corridor, which stretches from Karachi to Peshawar. Officials emphasized that the project is vital for major economic initiatives, including:
• The Reko Diq gold and copper mining venture
• Thar coal transportation
• Efficient freight and passenger movement across provinces
Read more: Ml-I Upgrade: Pakistan Railways Targets 160 Km/H Speed For Passengers
Chairman Shah stated that the ministry has formally requested Rs. 75 billion in the upcoming 2025-26 budget to kick-start the project.
Current Progress and Budget Realities
While the ambition remains high, the performance in the current fiscal year tells a more sobering story:
• Only 6 out of 38 projects approved for this year have been completed
• The completed projects amounted to Rs. 260.085 billion
• The remaining 32 projects will carry over into the next year
For the 2025-26 development plan, the ministry has also proposed 12 new railway projects worth Rs. 11.076 billion, which include:
• Track expansions
• Safety system upgrades
• Infrastructure enhancements for efficiency
Railways Minister Calls for Provincial Support
Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi stressed the need for provincial governments to contribute financially to railway-related development projects in their respective areas, citing Pakistan’s current economic challenges.
He also revealed plans to modernize railways-run hospitals and schools, aiming to uplift the welfare services for railway employees and surrounding communities.
Infrastructure Gaps Hinder High-Speed Travel
Although Pakistan now locally manufactures locomotives and coaches capable of running at 160 km/h, the current tracks are not designed for such high-speed travel. In response, the Senate committee has asked the ministry to conduct a feasibility study for upgrading the tracks to support higher speeds.
Anti-Encroachment Drive Underway
Minister Abbasi further shared that a nationwide anti-encroachment campaign is actively recovering illegally occupied railway land, which will eventually be used for future projects.