UAE to Support Pakistan’s Largest Railway Modernization Project
Oct 3, 2025 | 12:28 pm
Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to expand cooperation in the railway sector, with the UAE confirming its involvement in the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project — Pakistan’s largest railway initiative.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, shared that discussions are ongoing with Etihad Rail to enhance collaboration. He highlighted that the project will transform Pakistan’s Karachi–Peshawar railway line by upgrading 1,872 kilometers of track with dual lines, modern signaling systems, improved bridges, upgraded stations, and higher-speed trains.
The ML-1 and ML-3 corridors are expected to play a vital role in boosting regional connectivity, increasing freight capacity, and reducing travel time across the country.
The announcement was made during the Global Rail Conference and Exhibition 2025 in Abu Dhabi, where Pakistan’s Minister of State for Finance and Railways, Bilal Azhar Kiyani, led the national delegation. The three-day event brought together over 24 ministerial delegations, 60 CEOs, and 200 international speakers under the theme “Driving the Future of Transport and Global Connectivity.”
Ambassador Tirmizi noted that Pakistan’s strategic location — linking Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East — provides significant opportunities for international cooperation. He added that best practices in railway development will be shared, with Etihad Rail offering key support for ML-1’s progress.
During his visit, Minister Kiyani also experienced a high-speed train ride between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, completing the journey in just 35 minutes. The route is expected to officially open in 2026. He also chaired a session attended by railway ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Later, Kiyani met UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where both sides emphasized stronger collaboration in railways, energy, governance, and investment. According to Ambassador Tirmizi, these talks further strengthened bilateral ties and advanced regional transport goals.
In a separate statement, Pakistan’s embassy in the UAE said Minister Kiyani outlined Islamabad’s vision of building a modern, reliable, and eco-friendly railway system. He stressed the importance of upgrading both ML-1 and ML-3 corridors to international standards.
On the sidelines, Kiyani also held discussions with Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak regarding freight logistics, technology transfer, and future expansion. He visited exhibition stalls by Etihad Rail and Hafeet Rail to observe the latest advancements in rail systems across the region.
