ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is considering a possible financing of $1.1 billion for the upgrade of Pakistan’s main railway route, Main Line One (ML-1), from Karachi to Rohri. The project, if completed, could help improve the efficiency of the country’s main railway network.
According to ADB documents, the proposed financial assistance includes $1 billion from general resources and $100 million in the form of concessional loans. However, this amount has not been finally approved yet, and the project is currently in the proposal stage.
The approximately 480-kilometre railway section between Karachi and Rohri is important for passenger and freight trains in the country. Goods coming from Karachi’s ports reach different parts of the country through this extensive railway system.
The proposed project will focus on modernising the railway infrastructure, improving the signalling system and making train operations more efficient. According to ADB, improving the infrastructure while keeping in mind the effects of climate change will also be part of the project.
One of the main objectives of the project is to reduce the pressure on road freight and move more goods by rail. This is expected to help reduce logistics costs and improve trade links within the country.
The ML-1 upgrade has been under discussion in Pakistan for several years. The project involves a large-scale modernisation of the railway line from Karachi to Peshawar, but progress has been slow at various stages due to financial issues and the scale of the project.
The government is now trying to start practical progress from the Karachi-Rohri section. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also stressed the need to start work on ML-1 early in a recent meeting, while the government has indicated a target of laying the foundation stone of the project during the current fiscal year.
Along with improving the railway infrastructure, institutional reforms are also part of the project. According to ADB, better operations, maintenance, asset management and institutional capacity building will be necessary to ensure that the investment results are sustained in the long term.
For Pakistan, the modernisation of the Karachi-Rohri railway section is not limited to travel convenience. Improved rail connectivity can speed up the movement of goods between ports, industrial centres, and domestic markets. This is also expected to benefit trade and economic activity.
However, the pace of the project will depend on final financing, approvals, and operational readiness. ADB’s potential support could provide a significant financial boost for the project, but its results will also depend on effective implementation and necessary reforms in Pakistan Railways.
