The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank have expressed interest in financing Pakistan’s Main Line-1 railway project.
The Karachi-Peshawar ML-1 project has a revised estimated cost of around $6.68 billion to $6.80 billion.
International Lenders Consider ML-1 Financing
The Economic Affairs Division briefed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Economic Affairs about the project.
Officials said ADB is being considered as the lead financing institution. Meanwhile, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and World Bank have expressed commitments for co-financing.
The European Investment Bank, Islamic Development Bank and Japan International Cooperation Agency have also shown interest.
Pakistan is also advancing ADB-supported preparations for the Karachi-Rohri section. The government aims to secure ADB funding during the current fiscal year.
ML-1 Cost Revised to $6.8 Billion
The ML-1 project covers around 1,800 kilometres between Karachi and Peshawar.
Officials said the project design was reassessed to identify gaps and incorporate necessary improvements. Following the review, the estimated cost fell from around $9 billion to approximately $6.68 billion to $6.80 billion.
The project also includes institutional and operational reforms. These measures aim to improve Pakistan Railways’ efficiency, sustainability and service delivery.
Railway Designed for Higher Speeds
The infrastructure is being designed to accommodate speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour.
However, the currently proposed operational speed is up to 120 kilometres per hour. The committee raised concerns about limiting train speeds despite the higher design capacity.
Lawmakers called for modern railway technologies and international standards to guide the project.
They also stressed that infrastructure and operational standards should support speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour where technically and economically feasible.
Construction Could Take Three Years
Officials told the committee that construction is targeted for completion in about three years.
The project aims to modernise Pakistan’s main passenger and freight railway corridor. It also seeks to improve safety, connectivity and the overall efficiency of Pakistan Railways.
ADB is already supporting preparations for the Karachi-Rohri section through project readiness financing. The bank is considering further financing alongside institutional and capacity-building measures.
The renewed interest from international lenders could help Pakistan move forward with one of its largest railway modernisation projects.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com) and subscribe to the YouTube Channel.
