Great news for resolving Karachi’s long-standing traffic issues: NLC starts work on dedicated freight corridor & multimodal logistics park, Pipri

Due to absence of rail-based freight transportation system at Karachi Port, congestion of containers has become a routine problem resulting in slow cargo movement and negative impact on economic activities. Heavy road traffic has also led to increased environmental pollution and damage to road infrastructure.

The construction of Dedicated Freight Corridor and Multimodal Logistics Park at Pipri offers a long-term solution to these challenges. Ground breaking ceremony of Dedicated Freight Corridor was held with Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and Group Chairman and CEO DP World, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem attending as chief guests.

NLC will complete the project in multiple phases with USD 400 million Foreign Direct Investment. The first phase is scheduled for completion within four months. The project includes rehabilitation of a 52-kilometer railway corridor from Karachi Port to Pipri Marshalling Yard along with development of a modern Multimodal Logistics Park. It is aligned with the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Pakistan Railways’ ML-1 Project.

Upon completion, import containers will be transported directly by rail from Karachi Port to Pipri and onward to destinations across Pakistan, China, Central Asia and other regional countries. The project is expected to significantly reduce container congestion at Karachi Port, streamline cargo movement, accelerate economic activity and bring marked improvements in traffic management and environmental conditions.