Pakistan is racing to begin work on a $2.5 billion upgrade of one of its most critical railway corridors by January 2027, a project designed to allow trains to travel at speeds of up to 160km/h and improve a route carrying almost all of the country’s rail freight.
The first phase of the long-delayed Main Line-1 (ML-1) project will cover the 480km Karachi-Rohri/Sukkur section, where new up and down tracks will be laid and fencing installed on both sides to prevent unauthorised access by people, animals and vehicles.
This corridor is the backbone of the national network, carrying 76 per cent of Pakistan Railways’ passenger traffic and 98 per cent of its freight, making the upgrade essential to the country’s transport network and economic stability.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi emphasized the urgency of the timeline, stating, “We are trying our level best to launch this project as early as possible. The prime minister wants its commencement by January next year by all means.”
The Karachi-Rohri stretch was specifically chosen as the starting point for the ML-1 project due to its deteriorating condition. A Pakistan Railways official noted that Karachi-Rohri and Rohri-Multan are the most critical sections where most derailments and accidents occur due to decaying track that requires constant, expensive maintenance.
The project scope is comprehensive, covering civil and track works across the Keamari-Landhi-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Nawabshah, and Nawabshah-Rohri sections. Planned improvements include track reconstruction, limited realignments, and the rehabilitation of bridges, culverts, and other structures.
Beyond the tracks, the project includes significant upgrades to stations, freight yards, and buildings. It also envisages a complete overhaul of signalling and telecommunications systems across the corridor, alongside improvements to the Walton Academy and the provision of project management and supervision consultancy services.
The Asian Development Bank is expected to lead the financing for this massive undertaking. Simultaneously, Pakistan is actively exploring co-financing opportunities with other international institutions, including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the World Bank, and the Islamic Development Bank.
Before construction can commence, Pakistan Railways must navigate several procurement steps. The process, including early market engagement, international tendering, bidding, shortlisting of contractors, and final contract awards, is estimated to take between four and five months.
To maintain momentum, Pakistan Railways has scheduled an online early market engagement session for September 8. This session will invite local and international civil works contractors and design consultants to discuss package sizes, qualification criteria, joint-venture structures, and technical weightings.
This second phase of market consultations is a key milestone, with the government aiming for the project review to be completed by October 30. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed officials to monitor progress on a weekly basis to ensure these deadlines are met.
Once the infrastructure is modernized, the project is expected to significantly improve train speeds, passenger facilities, and the overall performance of the railway network. Abbasi described the ML-1 initiative as the fundamental foundation for the future development and modernization of Pakistan Railways.
Despite the tight schedule, officials say they will try to have the project formally launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in January — or possibly earlier.
An ML-1 review meeting at Pakistan Railways headquarters on Saturday, chaired by Railway Board Chairman Syed Mazhar Ali Shah, also examined preparations for the Karachi-Rohri upgrade.
Shah directed officials to complete the project’s review phase by October 30, 2026, with progress to be monitored weekly.
The consultations will also examine risk allocation, construction while railway services remain operational, local industry participation and the use of climate-resilient and digital solutions.
Pakistan Railways said international experience, market proposals and expert opinion would be incorporated to make the project modern and viable while ensuring transparency and competition.
Pakistanis unite in Sharjah to mark Independence Day
Top 10 stories: Travel, holidays and key news this week
Batwara 1947 review: Painful and dramatic family drama
Pakistan envoy urges expats to uphold UAE laws
Source: Gulf News
