Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi announced that ML-1 project work will begin from Karachi Port in July 2026. The announcement came after Pakistan Railways and Karachi Port Trust (KPT) finalized a joint strategy.
During a visit to Karachi, the minister met KPT Chairman Rear Admiral (R) Shahid Ahmed. Both sides agreed to strengthen the railway system to ensure smooth cargo movement from the Karachi Port.
Abbasi said the project will upgrade rail infrastructure to the port. The goal is to shift more freight from road to rail, improve efficiency, and reduce logistics costs.
As part of the plan, Pakistan Railways will modernize the 54-kilometre railway section between Karachi Port and Pipri. This upgrade aims to make cargo transportation faster and more reliable.
The minister added that Pakistan Railways plans to run four freight trains daily within the next five months. This initiative will support rail-based cargo transport and reduce dependency on road networks.
Rear Admiral (R) Ahmed said bulk cargo will be prioritized via rail. KPT will also upgrade internal railway tracks to handle increased freight operations efficiently.
Both Pakistan Railways and KPT reaffirmed their commitment to improving Karachi Port’s logistics performance. The joint efforts aim to strengthen Pakistan’s trade and transport network.
Officials noted that the ML-1 project work is a key step in modernizing Pakistan’s railway system. It will enhance the port’s cargo handling capacity and facilitate smoother trade operations.
Abbasi emphasized that expanding rail-based freight is part of broader reforms in Pakistan’s cargo transport sector. He said these measures will improve efficiency and support economic growth.
Read our update on Karachi Port Begins Pakistan’s First Standardised Bunkering Operations. The article highlights how Karachi Port is modernizing fuel handling for ships with new standardized processes.
With ML-1 project work set to start in July 2026, Pakistan Railways and KPT aim to create a modern and efficient rail-cargo corridor from Karachi Port to inland destinations.
The initiative is expected to reduce logistics costs and support faster movement of goods. Officials are optimistic that these upgrades will strengthen the national transport infrastructure.
