Government Says ML-1 Railway Project Will No Longer Be Financed Under CPEC
The federal government has informed lawmakers that the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project is no longer being pursued under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework and that financing will instead be sought from international financial institutions.
The update was shared during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, where officials said the government is exploring funding options from organizations such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other multilateral lenders.
Shift in Financing Strategy
According to the Economic Affairs Division, the ML-1 project, previously estimated to cost around $7.7 billion, has been separated from the CPEC financing framework.
The government is now working to secure financial support through international development partners to move the project forward.
Importance of the ML-1 Project
The ML-1 project is Pakistan’s largest railway modernization initiative and aims to upgrade the country’s main railway corridor from Karachi to Peshawar.
The project includes replacing railway tracks, modernizing signaling systems, increasing train speeds, improving passenger services, and expanding freight transport capacity.
Officials have described the project as a key part of efforts to modernize Pakistan’s railway infrastructure and improve nationwide connectivity.
Parliamentary Oversight
Members of the Senate committee requested additional details regarding the revised financing strategy and discussed the management of foreign-funded development projects.
In a separate meeting, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways directed Pakistan Railways to submit detailed reports on railway land encroachments and the progress of its restructuring and revival plan.
The committee also reviewed updates on the ML-1 project, the Pipri Marshalling Yard project, and recent railway accidents, including investigations and corrective measures taken by Pakistan Railways.
Lawmakers have asked the Ministry of Railways to provide a comprehensive progress report on the ML-1 project and the broader railway reform program at the committee’s next meeting.
