ISLAMABAD: After failing to secure financing from China for the upgrade of Main Line-1 (ML-1), which requires a multi-billion-dollar investment, Pakistan has begun negotiations with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to secure loans for the project.
According to an official announcement, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation framework of the ML-1 Karachi–Rohri section and discuss measures to expedite progress on the project.
Secretary Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim and Secretary Railways Mazhar Ali Shah briefed the meeting on ongoing work and preparatory arrangements related to ML-1. ADB Country Director Emma Fan and senior ADB officials also participated in the discussions. The minister directed the Ministry of Railways to accelerate documentation for the project in close coordination with the ADB and the Economic Affairs Division. He emphasised that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is keen to ensure that the groundbreaking ceremony of the ML-1 project is held within the current year.
Cheema stated that the government aims to secure ADB funding in the upcoming financial year and noted that timely completion of documentation and procedural requirements would be essential to achieving this objective. He further instructed the Ministry of Railways to coordinate closely with the Planning Division to ensure readiness of the PC-I and other mandatory project requirements.
The minister underscored the government’s determination to move the project forward efficiently while ensuring transparency and avoiding procedural gaps. He described ML-1 as a landmark initiative that will significantly improve freight movement and strengthen railway services across the country. He said the Karachi–Rohri section is a starter phase and will be implemented “come what may”. He added that the government is coordinating with other development partners for the remaining sections of ML-1 and will strive to finalise agreements for the entire Karachi–Peshawar corridor.
ADB Country Director Emma Fan appreciated the efforts of the Economic Affairs Division and the Ministry of Railways in advancing the project. She reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to supporting the government in expediting documentation and related formalities, said ADB would ensure timely hiring of the PRF consultant, and added that the bank would make every effort to minimise the project review timeline to facilitate swift implementation of the strategically important initiative.
