Vice President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Yang, called on Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi at the Ministry of Railways today.
During the meeting, the two sides held detailed discussions on the upgradation and financing of Main Line-1 (ML-1), ongoing railway reforms and the future development strategy of Pakistan Railways.
Federal Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said that ML-1 is a national priority project of the Government of Pakistan, and the government is committed to laying the foundation stone for the Karachi–Rohri section during the current financial year.
He said that the Karachi–Rohri ML-1 upgradation project is estimated to cost approximately US$2.5 billion and is targeted for completion within three years. He added that, in accordance with the Prime Minister’s directions, the 183-kilometre Nawabshah–Rohri section would be taken up on a priority basis.
The Federal Minister requested the ADB to expedite the approval process for the central investment loan for the project. He also 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.
Minister Hanif Abbasi said that ML-1 upgradation will 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.
The Federal Minister briefed the ADB delegation on comprehensive reforms being undertaken in Pakistan Railways to improve financial sustainability, governance, operational efficiency, development and revenue generation.
He said that reforms including infrastructure upgradation, outsourcing and digitalization were being implemented at an accelerated pace, while special attention was being given to expanding opportunities for public-private partnerships and private sector investment.
Minister Hanif Abbasi said modern IT and technology were being utilized to make railway services more efficient, transparent and passenger-friendly. He emphasized that the core objective of the reforms was to improve passenger facilities, operational viability, financial sustainability and revenue generation.
The Minister also highlighted the strategy to expand freight operations alongside passenger services. He said rail-based freight transportation was safer and more economically efficient compared to road transportation, adding that Pakistan Railways was focusing on increasing its freight capacity.
He further said that 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.
ADB Vice President Yang appreciated the ongoing reform initiatives in Pakistan Railways and the efforts of Federal Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi. He reaffirmed the ADB’s commitment to continuing cooperation for the improvement, modernization and sustainable development of Pakistan Railways.
