Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to use the commercial potential of Pakistan Railways’ land to help finance the upgradation of Main Line-1 (ML-1). The prime minister issued the directives while chairing a meeting on railway reforms in Islamabad. He also called for corporate-style reforms to make Pakistan Railways financially self-sufficient.
Railway Land to Support ML-1 Financing
Shehbaz directed authorities to develop ML-1 on a commercial basis by utilising identified railway land worth billions of rupees. He also approved securing bank financing through commercial projects on railway land. The government plans to use the financing for ML-1 development.
The prime minister asked officials to prepare a comprehensive plan within two weeks. The plan must assess the actual commercial potential of railway properties.
Shehbaz also praised the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Ministry of Railways teams for identifying and recovering encroached railway land.
Government Pushes Railway Reforms
The prime minister said corporate-style reforms remain a key priority for Pakistan Railways. The government wants to strengthen the railway system and improve its financial position. It also aims to increase passenger services and expand freight transportation.
Shehbaz stressed that railway properties could contribute more to the national economy if authorities use them effectively.
Meanwhile, the government continues efforts to make Pakistan Railways a profitable and financially sustainable organisation.
ML-1 Divided Into Four Sections
The planned ML-1 upgrade covers 1,726 kilometres between Karachi and Peshawar.
Authorities have divided the project into four major sections. These include Karachi-Rohri, Rohri-Multan, Multan-Lahore and Lahore-Peshawar.
International financing will support the Karachi-Rohri section. Meanwhile, the government is preparing domestic financing plans for the remaining sections.
Civil work on the first phase could begin in January 2027. This phase covers the 480-kilometre Karachi-Rohri/Sukkur section.
The upgrade will add new tracks and fencing along the route. The project aims to improve passenger travel and strengthen freight movement.
Government Seeks Greater Railway Revenue
The latest decision reflects the government’s wider effort to unlock value from railway assets. Pakistan Railways has already taken steps to recover land from illegal occupants. Earlier this year, authorities retrieved valuable railway land during anti-encroachment operations.
Now, the government plans to turn suitable railway properties into commercial assets.
If successfully implemented, the strategy could provide additional financing for ML-1 while improving the railway system’s long-term financial sustainability.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com) and subscribe to the YouTube Channel.
