KARACHI: The Asian Development Bank delegation visited in detail the Pakistan Railways network in Karachi Division in connection with the improvement of the Main Railway Line (ML-1) and making the system more efficient.
The main objective of the visit was to take a practical view of the expected increase in the capacity of the railway freight system after the improvement of ML-1 and to make the planning of railway freight linked to ports more efficient.
The delegation was accompanied by ML-1 Team Leader Rao Amjad and his team, Divisional Superintendent Pakistan Railways Karachi Mahmood-ur-Rehman Lakho and his team, while Deputy Superintendent Goods from Headquarters Imtiaz Farooq and Deputy Chief Planning from the Ministry of Railways were also part of the delegation.
The visit began at Port Qasim, where Port Qasim Authority officials gave the delegation a detailed briefing on the overall performance of the port, operational systems and future requirements.
Later, the delegation visited QICT and witnessed a practical demonstration of port operations.
The delegation also inspected the mechanical loading system facility of Yusufwala Coal, where a detailed briefing was given on the modern loading system and its effectiveness.
Finally, the delegation visited the Marshalling Yard Pipri, where detailed discussions were held on the expected increase in line capacity after the improvement of ML-1, effective planning of freight operations, and possibilities for further improvements at loading points connected to ports.
In light of the information and observations obtained as a result of this visit, steps will be taken to better utilize the additional capacity after the improvement of ML-1 and to make the railway freight system more robust, efficient and sustainable.
On Thursday (today) delegation from the Asian Development Bank will also visit the KPT office and Keamari Port areas to review the port’s connectivity with Pakistan Railways and more effective arrangements for freight operations.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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