The work on the Major Line-1 (ML-1) railway challenge is predicted to start in July 2026 from the Karachi Port, stated Minister of Railways Hanif Abbasi on Tuesday.
The ML-1 challenge goals to improve and modernize key infrastructure to boost freight and passenger connectivity from Karachi to Peshawar.
Final month, a assessment assembly on the important thing Public Sector Improvement Program (PSDP) tasks was additionally knowledgeable that the challenge will start in July this 12 months.
In keeping with a press launch issued immediately, Abbasi, in a gathering with the Chairman Karachi Port Belief (KPT) Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed, on January 9, stated that the development of the challenge will start from the Karachi Port, beginning in July.
Throughout the assembly, he knowledgeable chairman KPT that beneath the challenge, a 54-kilometer railway part from “KPT to Pipri will probably be upgraded to make sure seamless cargo motion”.
The 2 additionally mentioned “measures for strengthening the railway system for environment friendly cargo transportation from Karachi Port”.
Discount of congestion at KPT and the encircling highway networks additionally got here beneath dialogue, with the suggestion of shifting “a bigger share of cargo transportation from roads to rail”.
“Each side agreed that rail-based freight transport is a cheap and sustainable answer to enhance logistics effectivity and assist commerce actions,” the press launch learn.
Abbasi additionally outlined reforms geared toward enhancing the freight dealing with capability of Pakistan Railways throughout the assembly.
In that regard, the minister, stressing the importance of KPT in nationwide and worldwide commerce, referred to as for “shut coordination between Pakistan Railways and KPT to enhance port logistics efficiency”.
Abbasi additionally detailed plans to “function a minimum of 4 freight trains each day inside the subsequent 5 months, with precedence given to bulk cargo transportation”.
Chairman KPT additionally vowed to work carefully with Pakistan Railways, outlining plans to improve KPT’s inside railway tracks.
“Each side agreed that enhanced rail connectivity won’t solely cut back strain on roads and ports however will even decrease logistics prices, enhance turnaround occasions, and contribute to the expansion of commerce, trade, and the nationwide financial system,” the press launch learn.
In August 2025, the Senate Standing Committee on Railways had really helpful expediting work on the challenge.
The chairman railways briefed the committee that the ML-1 challenge was amongst PR’s high priorities, as it’s the central railway line linking Karachi with the whole nation.
Because of this, the challenge will begin from Karachi, and efforts are underway to provoke improvement work on the earliest, he added.
