Islamabad: Vice President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Yang, met with Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi to discuss the upgradation of Main Line-1 (ML-1) and ongoing railway reforms in Pakistan.

According to Press Information Department, the discussions focused on the financial and development strategies for the ML-1 project, which is a priority for the Pakistani government. The project aims to lay the foundation stone for the Karachi-Rohri section within the current financial year, with an estimated cost of $2.5 billion and a three-year completion target. Minister Abbasi emphasized the importance of the Karachi-Rohri ML-1 upgradation in reducing travel time, improving safety, and enhancing operational efficiency.

Minister Abbasi requested the ADB to expedite the approval process for the central investment loan, expressing a desire for ongoing cooperation with the ADB and other partners to finance remaining sections of the ML-1 from Rohri to Peshawar. He outlined comprehensive reforms aimed at improving financial sustainability and governance within Pakistan Railways, with a focus on infrastructure upgrades, outsourcing, and digitalization.

The strategy includes expanding freight operations, with ML-1 improvements expected to increase freight capacity and efficiency. Minister Abbasi acknowledged the ADB’s support for Pakistan Railways’ development and expressed a desire for further collaboration.

ADB Vice President Yang commended the reform initiatives and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Pakistan Railways’ improvement and modernization efforts.