Karachi-Rohri Section Chosen for First Phase of Major Railway Modernisation
Pakistan Railways is aiming to begin civil work on the $2.5 billion first phase of the Main Line-1 railway upgrade in January 2027.
The project is being accelerated to meet a timeline set by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said the government wants construction to begin by January next year.
Pakistan Railways is currently moving ahead with market consultations, pre-bid preparations and procurement planning.
An online early market engagement session has been scheduled for September 8.
Local and international contractors, design consultants and monitoring firms have been invited to participate.
The session will focus on project readiness, procurement strategy, package structures and progress made since earlier consultations.
Abbasi said the full process of international tendering, bidding, contractor shortlisting and contract awards could normally take four to five months.
However, he said Pakistan Railways would make every effort to ensure the project is ready for launch by January 2027.
First Phase Covers 480-Kilometre Karachi-Rohri Railway Corridor
The first phase of ML-1 will cover around 480 kilometres between Karachi and Rohri/Sukkur.
New up and down railway tracks will be laid across the corridor.
Fencing will also be installed on both sides of the railway line.
The fencing is intended to prevent unauthorised access by people, animals and vehicles.
Pakistan Railways expects the first phase to take between two-and-a-half and three years to complete.
The Karachi-Rohri corridor is considered one of the most important sections of the national railway network.
Officials said the route carries around 76 per cent of passenger traffic and 98 per cent of freight traffic.
It also connects major population centres, industrial areas and commercial hubs.
The indicative scope includes civil and track work on the Keamari-Landhi-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Nawabshah and Nawabshah-Rohri sections.
Work will include track reconstruction, limited realignments, bridges, culverts and other structures.
Stations, freight yards and related buildings will also be upgraded.
The project will also include improvements to signalling and telecommunications systems.
Walton Academy is also expected to be upgraded under the programme.
Asian Development Bank Expected to Lead Financing
The Asian Development Bank is expected to provide major financing for the first phase of ML-1.
Pakistan is also exploring co-financing from other international institutions.
Potential partners include the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, World Bank, Islamic Development Bank and other lenders.
During consultations, contractors and consultants will discuss technical and commercial issues linked to the project.
These will include package sizes, qualification requirements and joint-venture structures.
Bid preparation periods and contractor experience standards will also be reviewed.
Officials will examine technical and financial evaluation weightings, risk allocation and construction arrangements while trains continue operating.
Local industry participation will also form part of the discussions.
Pakistan Railways is also seeking climate-resilient and digital solutions for the project.
Ageing Track and Frequent Accidents Drive Urgency
Railway officials say the Karachi-Rohri section has been selected because of the poor condition of the existing infrastructure.
A Pakistan Railways official said Karachi-Rohri and Rohri-Multan are among the most critical sections of the network.
Both routes have experienced derailments and accidents linked to ageing railway tracks.
The deteriorating infrastructure also requires frequent repairs, creating additional financial pressure on the railway system.
Officials believe rebuilding the Karachi-Rohri section first will address one of the most urgent safety and operational problems.
Once upgraded, trains could operate at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour.
This would significantly reduce travel times and improve the reliability of passenger and freight services.
Review Phase Ordered Completed by October 30
A major ML-1 meeting was also held at Pakistan Railways headquarters on Saturday.
Railway Board Chairman Syed Mazhar Ali Shah chaired the meeting.
International design and review consultants and senior railway officials participated.
The meeting reviewed preparations for upgrading the Karachi-Rohri section.
Officials also discussed technical progress and the next stages of project implementation.
Shah directed that the project review phase be completed by October 30, 2026.
He also ordered weekly monitoring of progress to ensure deadlines are met.
A second phase of market consultations will begin on September 8.
Market experts and other stakeholders will provide input on project preparation, technical requirements and implementation strategy.
Pakistan Railways said international experience and expert recommendations would be incorporated into the project.
Authorities have also pledged to maintain merit, transparency and competition throughout procurement and implementation.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi described ML-1 as a foundation for the future development and modernisation of Pakistan Railways.
He said the upgrade would improve train speeds, passenger facilities and the overall performance of the railway network.
The government now faces an ambitious procurement schedule as it attempts to move from consultation and bidding to construction within the next five months.
