Pakistan: ECNEC approves ML-1 design work
Development priorities were approved across all provinces and regions, with a focus on strengthening national development
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar briefs members of the diplomatic corps at the Foreign Office in Islamabad on the first anniversary of “Marka-e-Haq” on Tuesday. Photo: X/ FO
The government on Friday gave a go-ahead to initiating detailed design of the long-delayed Main Line (ML-I) project.
The decision was taken during the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday.
During the meeting, development priorities were approved across all provinces and regions, with a focus on strengthening national development initiatives and addressing infrastructure and social sector needs, according to a press release issued by the Foreign Office spokesperson.
Key initiatives included detailed design of ML-1, Havelian Dry Port, Lowari Tunnel access works, Thar Coal Rail Connectivity, Kachhi Canal, K-P irrigation improvements, Jinnah Hospital Islamabad, Sindh Human Capital 1000 Days Programme, Sindh flood rehabilitation support, and Diamer-Basha Dam-related arrangements.
The ML-1 project is seen as a game-changer as it aims to upgrade and modernise the key infrastructure to enhance freight and passenger connectivity from Karachi to Peshawar. The work on the project is expected to begin in July 2026 from the Karachi Port.
Pakistan Railways has initiated the market engagement process for the proposed Karachi-Rohri section upgrade of the Main Line-1 (ML-1).
The Karachi-Rohri corridor, extending about 480 kilometres, is planned to be upgraded with modern railway infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency, reliability and safety.
The proposed works include renewal of the permanent way, strengthening of track foundations, installation of modern signalling and telecommunications systems, and rehabilitation of bridges and other civil structures along the route.
Once completed, the upgraded line is expected to support train speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour, reducing travel time for passengers while increasing freight capacity and improving overall service reliability.
Dar reaffirmed the government’s continued focus on infrastructure development, improved public services, regional balance, and long-term economic resilience.
Reference Link:- https://tribune.com.pk/story/2609630/ecnec-approves-ml-1-design-work
Zamir Ahmed Awan is the founder and Chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance, a think tank in Islamabad. He studied engineering at Shanghai University in the 1980s, and years later he went back to China as Pakistan's science counsellor in Beijing, from 2010 until 2016, working on science and higher education cooperation between the two countries.…
