Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have discussed accelerating work on the planned modernization of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling for the project to move toward groundbreaking as soon as possible.
The issue was discussed during a September 4 meeting in Islamabad between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and ADB Vice President for South, Central and West Asia Yingming Yang. The meeting reviewed Pakistan’s long-term partnership with the ADB and development priorities under the new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) 2026–2030.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Main Line-1 (ML-1) |
| Route | Karachi to Peshawar |
| Priority section | Karachi–Rohri |
| ADB project length | Approximately 480 km |
| Karachi–Rohri estimated cost | Approximately US$2.5 billion |
| ADB project status | Proposed |
| ADB project number | 60009-001 |
| ADB Vice President | Yingming Yang |
| Pakistan Prime Minister | Shehbaz Sharif |
| Partnership strategy | CPS 2026–2030 |
| Target | Early groundbreaking |
Shehbaz Calls for Early Groundbreaking
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need for an early groundbreaking of ML-1, describing the railway corridor as a vital national infrastructure priority.
According to the government, modernising ML-1 is important for improving freight logistics, regional trade connectivity and support for major industrial initiatives.
The government wants the long-delayed project to move from planning and documentation toward implementation, with administrative bottlenecks being addressed through dedicated execution mechanisms.
ML-1 Connects Karachi and Peshawar
ML-1 is Pakistan’s main railway corridor, linking Karachi with Peshawar and passing through several of the country’s major commercial and population centres.
The corridor is strategically important for both passenger and freight transportation. Its modernization is expected to improve railway efficiency, safety and connectivity while strengthening Pakistan’s internal transport network.
The ADB’s proposed project specifically covers the Karachi–Rohri section, approximately 480 kilometres long. The project is designed to support climate-resilient railway infrastructure, modern signalling and operations, as well as institutional and capacity-building measures.
Karachi–Rohri Section Gets Priority
The government has identified the Karachi–Rohri section as a priority for implementation.
According to Pakistan’s Press Information Department, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said the government is committed to laying the foundation stone for the Karachi–Rohri section during the current financial year.
The section has an estimated cost of approximately US$2.5 billion and is targeted for completion within three years. The government has also indicated that the 183-kilometre Nawabshah–Rohri section would receive priority attention.
ADB Financing and Project Preparation
The ADB has been working with Pakistan on the documentation and financing arrangements required to advance the ML-1 project.
In May 2026, Pakistan and the ADB agreed to accelerate documentation and other formalities for the Karachi–Rohri section. Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division said timely completion of these procedures would be important for securing ADB funding in the upcoming fiscal year.
The ADB currently lists the Karachi–Rohri ML-1 project as proposed, with financing intended for railway infrastructure, signalling, operational modernization and institutional improvements.
ML-1 Under the ADB’s 2026–2030 Partnership Strategy
The latest discussions took place as Pakistan and the ADB prepare to implement priorities under the new Country Partnership Strategy for 2026–2030.
The strategy discussions extend beyond railways, covering areas including:
- Private-sector development
- Energy security
- Food security
- Export competitiveness
- Artificial intelligence
- Information technology
- Transport infrastructure
Both sides expressed a commitment to turn the strategy’s priorities into concrete projects that can contribute to sustainable economic growth and improved public services.
Why ML-1 Matters for Pakistan
Modernising ML-1 could have an impact beyond the railway sector.
A more efficient railway network can help reduce freight transportation costs, improve movement between ports and inland markets, and support industrial supply chains.
The corridor also has strategic importance for regional trade connectivity. The government views the project as an important component of efforts to modernise Pakistan’s transport infrastructure and strengthen its position as a regional trade and logistics hub.
ML-1 and Industrial Development
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has linked the modernization of ML-1 with Pakistan’s wider industrial development goals.
Improved freight infrastructure could make it easier to transport goods between Karachi’s ports and industrial and commercial centres further north.
The government also expects improved connectivity to support major industrial initiatives and strengthen the overall logistics network.
Pakistan Seeks Faster Infrastructure Execution
The push for an early ML-1 groundbreaking comes as the government says it is trying to remove administrative barriers that have slowed major development projects.
During his meeting with the ADB vice president, Shehbaz said dedicated execution task forces were being used to address administrative bottlenecks and accelerate implementation.
For ML-1, the immediate focus is therefore not simply on announcing the project but on completing the remaining documentation, financing and procedural requirements needed to begin physical work.
Why This Matters
The ML-1 project has been discussed for years as a major requirement for upgrading Pakistan’s railway infrastructure.
An early start would represent a significant step from planning toward execution. For Pakistan, the potential benefits include better freight movement, improved passenger services, stronger regional connectivity and greater support for industrial activity.
For the ADB, ML-1 is also part of a broader partnership with Pakistan focused on infrastructure, economic development and public services.
If the government succeeds in meeting its target for early groundbreaking, the Karachi–Rohri section could become one of the most important transport infrastructure projects moving into implementation during the current financial year.
FAQs
What is the ML-1 railway project?
ML-1, or Main Line-1, is Pakistan’s main railway corridor connecting Karachi and Peshawar. The planned modernization aims to improve railway infrastructure, operations, safety and connectivity.
What section of ML-1 is currently being prioritised?
The Karachi–Rohri section is currently a major priority. The ADB’s proposed project covers approximately 480 kilometres of the corridor.
How much will the Karachi–Rohri ML-1 project cost?
The government has estimated the Karachi–Rohri ML-1 upgrade at approximately US$2.5 billion.
Who discussed the early start of ML-1?
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the project with Yingming Yang, Asian Development Bank Vice President for South, Central and West Asia, during a meeting in Islamabad on September 4, 2026.
Why is ML-1 important for Pakistan?
The government considers ML-1 important for modernising freight logistics, strengthening regional trade connectivity and supporting industrial development.
When could work on ML-1 begin?
Pakistan has called for early groundbreaking, while the government has said it aims to lay the foundation stone for the Karachi–Rohri section during the current financial year.
