Pakistan Railways is gearing up for a major transformation of its Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway corridor under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). CEO Aamir Ali Baloch confirmed that preparations for the long-awaited project have reached the final stage, with construction expected to commence in July 2026. The modernization aims to enhance both passenger and freight services, increasing speed and efficiency along the Karachi-Lahore route.
During a recent meeting with a delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at Railways Headquarters in Lahore, Baloch discussed the scope, design, and financing structure of the ML-1 project.
“We are working closely with ADB experts to finalize key project details and ensure the highest standards in design and implementation,” he stated. The meeting followed ADB’s technical inspection of the Karachi-to-Rohri section, a 480-kilometer stretch included in the project’s first phase.
The ML-1 upgrade will be completed in three phases over the next five years, aiming to modernize Pakistan’s primary rail network, improve operational speeds, and enhance service quality for millions of daily passengers and freight operators. The project also aligns with Pakistan’s long-term economic goals by boosting trade connectivity and reducing travel time across major cities.
Experts highlight that this upgrade could transform Pakistan’s railway sector by introducing advanced signaling systems, track doubling, modern stations, and efficient freight corridors. Once completed, ML-1 is expected to play a pivotal role in improving logistics, supporting industrial growth, and strengthening regional connectivity.