Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has called for the complete modernization of Pakistan Railways’ Main Line-1.
He said the railway corridor is important for trade, freight movement, and regional connectivity.
Iqbal shared details of the ML-1 modernization plan during a development partners meeting in Mongolia.
The event focused on improving trade, tourism, and regional competitiveness.
The minister also briefed international development partners about progress on the Karachi-Rohri section.
ML-1 covers 1,726 kilometers between Karachi and Peshawar. It is the country’s main railway corridor for passenger and freight movement.
According to the minister, ML-1 handles 76 percent of passenger traffic. It also carries 98 percent of the country’s freight traffic.
Iqbal described the modernization of the route as a national economic priority. He linked the project with future trade and economic growth.
The proposed upgrade would significantly increase the railway line’s capacity. Train capacity could rise from 34 to 120 train pairs.
The project would also allow higher passenger speeds. Passenger trains could reach speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour.
Freight trains could also operate faster after the modernization. Their speed could increase from 30 to 80 kilometers per hour.
Travel time between Karachi and Rohri is expected to decrease significantly. The journey could fall from around eight hours to nearly four and a half hours.
The upgraded corridor is also expected to support future freight demand. Freight volumes could reach around 21 million tons annually by 2035.
The Karachi-Rohri section is currently the most advanced part of the ML-1 plan. Its estimated cost is around $2.5 billion.
The Asian Development Bank is leading the financing effort for this section. Several other international institutions are also involved.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is participating as a co-financing partner. The World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and European Investment Bank are also involved.
Iqbal said project readiness financing has already been secured. Engineering work has also been completed for the project.
Procurement and financing processes are currently moving forward. The government is also working on financing for the remaining sections.
The remaining route would cover the stretch from Rohri to Peshawar. Authorities want the entire corridor to operate as an integrated railway network.
The minister said the Karachi-Rohri project should not be treated as a separate development.
Instead, it should serve as the first stage of wider railway modernization. The broader goal is to upgrade the complete Karachi-Peshawar corridor.
Pakistan Railways is expected to benefit from higher capacity and faster services after completion. The project could also improve freight movement across major economic routes.
The government is now focusing on implementation and maintaining financing continuity. It is also seeking funding for the remaining sections of ML-1.
The modernization plan remains subject to financing and project implementation. Further progress will depend on funding arrangements and completion of planned works.
The proposed improvements are intended to strengthen Pakistan Railways and support long-term trade connectivity.
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They could also improve the movement of passengers and goods between major cities. The ML-1 project remains a key part of Pakistan’s broader transport infrastructure plans.
