Development priorities approved in all provinces and regions, with emphasis on strengthening national development
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar briefs members of the diplomatic corps of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Tuesday on the occasion of the first anniversary of ‘Marka-e-Haq’. Photo: X/FO
ISLAMABAD:
The government on Friday gave the go-ahead to launch the detailed design of the long-delayed Main Line Project (ML-I).
The decision was taken on Friday at the meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
During the meeting, development priorities were approved in all provinces and regions, with emphasis on strengthening national development initiatives and addressing infrastructure and social sector needs, according to a press release issued by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The major initiatives included detailed design of ML-1, Havelian Dry Port, Lowari Tunnel Access Works, Thar Coal Rail Connectivity, Kachhi Canal, KP Irrigation Improvements, Jinnah Hospital Islamabad, 1000 Day Sindh Human Capital Program, Sindh Flood Rehabilitation Support and Diamer-Basha Dam arrangements.
The ML-1 project is considered revolutionary as it aims to upgrade and modernize key infrastructure to improve cargo and passenger connectivity from Karachi to Peshawar. Work on the project is expected to begin in July 2026 from Karachi Port.
Pakistan Railways has initiated the market engagement process for the Karachi-Rohri section of Main Line 1 (ML-1) modernization project.
The Karachi-Rohri corridor, spanning approximately 480 kilometers, is expected to be upgraded with modern railway infrastructure to improve operational efficiency, reliability and safety.
The proposed works include the renewal of the permanent road, the strengthening of the road foundations, the installation of modern signaling and telecommunications systems and the rehabilitation of bridges and other civil structures along the route.
Once completed, the upgraded line is expected to enable train speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour, reducing passenger travel time while increasing freight capacity and improving overall service reliability.
Dar reaffirmed the government’s continued focus on infrastructure development, improved public services, regional balance and long-term economic resilience.
