The federal government has announced that the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project is no longer part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and will now be financed through international financial institutions, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The update was shared during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, where Economic Affairs Secretary Hameer Karim informed lawmakers that the project has officially been separated from the CPEC framework. Originally estimated to cost $7.7 billion, the government is now exploring alternative funding sources from multilateral lenders.
ML-1 is Pakistan’s largest railway modernization initiative, designed to upgrade the railway network from Karachi to Peshawar. The project includes replacing railway tracks, upgrading signaling systems, increasing train speeds, improving passenger services, and enhancing freight transportation. Although it was once considered the flagship transport project under CPEC, progress has been delayed for years due to financing challenges and negotiations.
During the meeting, the Senate committee also requested details of the revised financing strategy and sought clarification from the Economic Affairs Division regarding legal matters related to foreign-funded development projects.
Separately, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways directed Pakistan Railways to submit comprehensive reports on railway land encroachments, ongoing restructuring efforts, and the implementation status of key projects, including ML-1 and the Pipri Marshalling Yard (PIPRI) project.
The committee also reviewed recent railway accidents, including the Shalimar Express collision near Lakha Road Station and the Tezgam derailment on the Lodhran–Bahawalpur section. Pakistan Railways briefed lawmakers on the causes of the incidents, inquiry findings, and disciplinary actions taken against responsible officials.
Lawmakers further instructed the Ministry of Railways to provide a detailed progress report on the railway revival plan and the implementation of the ML-1 project at the committee’s next meeting.
