Pakistan, August 2026 – Pakistan Railways is targeting the start of work in January 2027 on the first 480-kilometre section of the long-delayed ML-1 upgrade between Karachi and Rohri/Sukkur. The corridor is particularly significant to the national railway system, carrying approximately 76% of passenger traffic and 98% of rail freight.
The upgrade is expected to cost around $2.5 billion and will include reconstruction of existing track, construction of new up and down tracks, limited realignment, bridges, culverts, stations and freight yards. Signalling and telecommunications systems will also be upgraded, while fencing is planned along both sides of the corridor to improve safety and restrict unauthorised access.
Once completed, the upgraded infrastructure is expected to support train speeds of up to 160 km/h. Civil works are projected to take approximately two-and-a-half to three years. The Karachi–Rohri section was prioritised because ageing infrastructure has contributed to derailments and operational disruptions, making rehabilitation particularly important for network reliability.
The project is expected to be financed primarily by the Asian Development Bank, with Pakistan also exploring co-financing from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, World Bank and Islamic Development Bank. Before construction begins, Pakistan Railways must complete market engagement, international tendering, contractor and consultant selection, and contract awards. A second phase of market consultations is scheduled for September, with the project review targeted for completion by October 30, 2026.
For Pakistan's rail sector, the ML-1 upgrade represents a significant attempt to improve the performance of an existing strategic freight and passenger corridor. Its emphasis on track renewal, signalling, telecommunications, station and freight-yard improvements, combined with higher operating speeds, could strengthen rail's role in national logistics while establishing a foundation for wider modernisation of Pakistan Railways.
Source: Gulf News
Pakistan Advances $2.5 Billion ML-1 Upgrade For 160 Km/h Operations
Journalism & Media
Share this story
Railway modernisation is increasingly focused on upgrading existing corridors to improve speed, capacity, safety and freight performance without building entirely new routes. Pakistan is preparing a $2.5 billion first phase of its Main Line-1 (ML-1) programme, targeting speeds of up to 160 km/h on the strategically important Karachi–Rohri corridor.
