Ahsan Iqbal Emphasizes Modernization of Pakistan Railways’ Main Line-1

Ulaanbaatar:Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has advocated for the full modernization of Pakistan Railways’ Main Line-1 to enhance trade and regional connectivity.

According to Radio Pakistan, the minister made these remarks during the Development Partners Dialogue on ‘Advancing Trade, Tourism and Regional Competitiveness’ held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Iqbal highlighted that the ML-1 is crucial to Pakistan’s railway network, as it handles the majority of passenger and freight traffic. He noted that modernizing the Karachi-Peshawar corridor would significantly increase line capacity, improve train speeds, and reduce travel time between Karachi and Rohri.

He further explained that the Karachi-Rohri section, valued at approximately $2.5 billion, represents the most advanced part of the ML-1 modernization initiative, with financial backing primarily from the Asian Development Bank. Iqbal also mentioned ongoing efforts to establish a financing plan for the remaining sections from Rohri to Peshawar, emphasizing the importance of completing the ML-1 as a unified Karachi-Peshawar corridor.