Punjab to Invest Rs. 350 Billion in Railway Upgrades | ML-1 Project Gets Boost
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s railway infrastructure is set for a major transformation as Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has pledged Rs. 350 billion to upgrade and dualize railway tracks within the province, according to Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi.
💬 Punjab Supports Railway Modernization
Speaking at a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways, Abbasi revealed that the Punjab government is fully on board with the federal plan to revamp rail transport. This funding commitment aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy to revive its railway network and enhance regional connectivity.
“Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has shown strong interest in supporting the railway’s modernization efforts,” said Abbasi.
🔧 Main Line-1 (ML-1) Project: A Game-Changer
At the center of the rail upgrade plan is the ML-1 project, part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The $6.8 billion project will revamp the Karachi–Peshawar railway line, Pakistan’s main artery for both passenger and cargo traffic.
ML-1 Project Benefits:
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🚄 Faster travel time between key cities
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🚢 Boost in trade with Central Asia
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🔄 Improved logistics and efficiency
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🌍 Stronger regional connectivity under CPEC
Talks with China for investment are ongoing, but Abbasi confirmed that work will begin using domestic resources if foreign funding is delayed.
📈 Record Earnings for Pakistan Railways
In a positive development, Abbasi announced that Pakistan Railways recorded its highest-ever revenue in FY 2024–25:
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💰 Total Earnings: Rs. 93 billion
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🚆 Passenger Services: Rs. 47.5 billion
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🚛 Freight Services: Rs. 31.5 billion
These figures mark a significant jump from the Rs. 88 billion earned in the previous year, reflecting growing public reliance on rail services.
🚀 What This Means for Pakistan
The funding pledge from Punjab and the renewed push for ML-1 are expected to:
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💼 Create jobs in construction and logistics
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🌐 Enhance Pakistan’s trade links with the region
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🏗️ Modernize critical infrastructure
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🌱 Promote sustainable transport alternatives
