Pakistan Railways Aims to Launch ML-1 Project This Year

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Railways Syed Mazhar Ali Shah told a Senate committee that Pakistan Railways is hoping to begin work on the long-awaited Main Line-1 (ML-1) project this year, despite delays in receiving government funds.

During a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Railways, Shah shared that the ministry has requested Rs. 75 billion in the upcoming 2025-26 budget for the ML-1 project.

The overall cost of ML-1, considered essential for supporting major initiatives like Reko Diq and Thar coal projects, stands at Rs. 2,298.18 billion.

So far, the ministry has completed only six out of 38 approved projects in the current fiscal year, totaling Rs. 260.085 billion in development costs. The remaining 32 projects will carry over into the next year.

For 2025-26, the ministry has proposed 12 new projects—ranging from track expansions and upgrades to improved safety systems—at a cost of Rs. 11.076 billion.

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi noted that the country’s financial crisis demands provincial contributions toward local railway developments. He added that the ministry also plans to upgrade railway-run schools and hospitals.

Abbasi said an anti-encroachment drive has started nationwide to recover grabbed railway land.

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Officials further informed the committee that although Pakistan now produces locomotives and coaches capable of running at 160 km/h, current rail infrastructure cannot handle high-speed trains. The committee has asked the ministry to study what’s needed to upgrade the tracks for faster travel.