Ulaanbaatar: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has emphasized the need for the comprehensive modernization of Pakistan Railways’ Main Line-1, a critical infrastructure project aimed at enhancing trade and regional connectivity. Speaking at the Development Partners Dialogue on “Advancing Trade, Tourism and Regional Competitiveness” in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, he underscored the significance of the project.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister highlighted that the ML-1 is the backbone of Pakistan’s railway network, handling the majority of passenger and freight traffic. He explained that the modernization of the Karachi-Peshawar corridor would boost line capacity, enhance train speeds, and decrease travel time between Karachi and Rohri. The Karachi-Rohri section, costing approximately $2.5 billion, is identified as the most advanced component of the ML-1 modernization project, with the Asian Development Bank spearheading the financing efforts.

Ahsan Iqbal also noted that Pakistan is developing a financing mechanism for the remaining sections from Rohri to Peshawar, emphasizing the importance of completing the ML-1 as a unified Karachi-Peshawar corridor.