Minister Cheema Reviews ML‑1 Railway Progress with ADB Delegation
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Senator Ahad Cheema met an Asian Development Bank delegation to assess the status of the Main Line‑1 railway project and accelerate design finalisation and preparatory work.
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Open on The Nation## Meeting Overview
On Wednesday, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Senator Ahad Cheema hosted a delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Islamabad. The purpose of the meeting was to review the current progress of the Main Line‑1 (ML‑1) railway project, Pakistan’s flagship rail infrastructure programme, and to discuss steps needed to finalise the project design and subsequent preparatory requirements.
## Project Status
The ML‑1 project, a 1,300‑kilometre upgrade of the Karachi‑Peshawar railway corridor, is financed by a US$6.5 billion loan from the ADB and is expected to modernise Pakistan’s rail network, increase capacity, and reduce travel time. The minister highlighted that civil works are proceeding, but the design phase remains a critical bottleneck. Both parties agreed to expedite technical reviews and to submit the final design package within the next quarter.
## Key Agreements
- Design Finalisation: The ADB delegation committed to provide additional technical assistance to accelerate the design approval process. - Preparatory Works: Both sides identified key preparatory activities, including land acquisition, environmental clearances, and procurement planning, that must be completed before construction can commence in earnest. - Monitoring Mechanism: A joint monitoring committee will be established to track milestones and address any implementation challenges promptly.
## Implications for the Economy
The timely completion of ML‑1 is seen as a catalyst for economic growth, enhancing freight logistics, boosting passenger services, and attracting further foreign investment in the transport sector. The project also aligns with the government’s broader infrastructure agenda and is expected to generate significant employment opportunities.
## Outlook
Minister Cheema reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering the project on schedule, emphasizing that the partnership with ADB remains strong. The next update is slated for the end of the year, where progress on design finalisation and preparatory work will be evaluated.
## Shariah Consideration
The ML‑1 project is financed through a conventional loan structure; investors should assess compliance with Shariah principles before participation in related equities.