Pakistan, ADB Finalize ML-1 Upgrade Deal, Set July 2026 Karachi-Rohri Groundbreaking
Officials say the corridor moves most of Pakistan’s passengers and freight, underscoring the push to modernize.
Overview
- Pakistan says it has finalized an agreement with the Asian Development Bank to advance the ML-1 rail upgrade following talks in Islamabad led by ADB Director General Leah Gutierrez.
- Both sides agreed to hold the groundbreaking for the 480-km Karachi-Rohri section in July 2026.
- ADB experts have already completed on-ground inspections of the Karachi-Rohri stretch to inform financing and design decisions.
- The government says Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved financing of the Karachi-Rohri package through ADB and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, with ADB support also lined up for detailed design of the Rohri-Khanpur-Multan section.
- Pakistan Railways announced operational upgrades including an AI-monitored “Safe and Smart” station in Rawalpindi with 184 cameras, a Rail Tag real-time tracking system, and wider station Wi-Fi and ATM access.