ML-1 foundation for Pakistan. Hanif Abbasi on reforming railways

Minister for Railroads Muhammad Hanif Abbasi Saturday said that Main Line-1 (ML-1) project was the basis for development and modernisation of the Pakistan Railroads. He expressed satisfaction over the progress made on the flagship project.

In a statement the minister said, upgradation of ML-1 would boost the train speeds, improve passenger facilities and enhance the general performance of Pakistan Railroads.

He said merit, transparency and competitiveness will be enforced at all stages of the project, adding that the finest suggestions and expert comments would be adopted to make the initiative more effective.

Hanif Abbasi stated that Prime Minister(PM),Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was taking deep interest in the ML-1 project and had directed for its completion within the stipulated time-frame.
The prime minister was also constantly watching the progress of the initiative, he added.

Earlier a crucial meeting on ML-1 project was held at Pakistan Railroads Headquarters under the supervision of Chairman Pakistan Railroads Syed Mazhar Ali Shah. The meeting was attended by international design and review specialists and top railway authorities.

Meeting discussed major concerns related to upgradation of Karachi-Rohri segment and directed to finish review phase of ML-1 by 30th October 2026.

The participants were also asked to do regular monitoring and have weekly evaluations of the development of the project.

The second round of market consultation for the ML-1 project will be launched on September 8, 2026 when detailed discussions would be held on project preparation and future course of action.

It was further revealed that recommendations, expertise and experience acquired thru the market consultation would be helpful for Pakistan Railroads to further improve the ML-1 project.

The minister underlined his optimism about the possibility of launching the flag-ship ML-1 project this year, stating that the work accomplished so far was positive.