Pakistan, ADB push swift progress on ML-1 project
Pakistan and the ADB are expediting documentation for the $1.2 billion ML-1 railway project's Karachi-Rohri section, aiming for groundbreaking this year to enhance national railway services.
- ADB's expected $1.2 billion financing for the ML-1 project.
- Government's target for ML-1 groundbreaking within the current year.
- ML-1's impact on freight movement and national railway services.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday agreed on the timely completion of documentation and other formalities to ensure the swift implementation of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project.
Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation framework of the ML-1 Karachi-Rohri section and discuss measures to expedite progress.
The ADB is expected to approve a financing facility of approximately USD 1.2 billion for the rehabilitation of Pakistan Railways’ Main Line-1 (ML-1) project, covering the Karachi-Rohri section, with the Bank also planning to involve other development partners as co-financiers.
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Secretary Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim and Secretary Railways Mazhar Ali Shah briefed the meeting on ongoing work and preparatory arrangements for the project.
ADB Country Director Emma Fan and senior officials of the Bank also participated in the discussions. During the meeting, the minister directed the Ministry of Railways to accelerate the documentation process in close coordination with the ADB and the Economic Affairs Division.
He emphasised that Prime Minister Shehbaz is keen to see the groundbreaking ceremony of the ML-1 project held within the current year.
Cheema noted that the government aims to secure ADB funding in the upcoming fiscal year and stressed that the timely completion of documentation and procedural requirements is essential to achieving this goal.
He further instructed the Ministry of Railways to work closely with the Planning Division to ensure the readiness of the PC-1 and other mandatory project requirements.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to efficiency and transparency, the Minister said all efforts would be made to advance the project while avoiding procedural gaps.
He described ML-1 as a landmark initiative that will substantially improve freight movement and strengthen railway services nationwide.
He added that the Karachi-Rohri section would serve as the starting phase and would be implemented “come what may.”
The government is also coordinating with other development partners for the remaining sections of ML-1, with the aim of finalising agreements for the entire corridor from Karachi to Peshawar.
Expressing appreciation for the efforts of the Economic Affairs Division and the Ministry of Railways, ADB Country Director Emma Fan reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting the government in expediting documentation and related formalities.
She stated that ADB would ensure the timely hiring of the PRF consultant and would make every effort to minimise the project review timeline, facilitating the rapid implementation of this strategically significant initiative.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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