China and Pakistan have signed an addendum to the CPEC’s framework agreement, which will now enable the execution of the ML-1 project at a reduced cost of $6.678 billion, down from the original estimate of $9.85 billion. This significant development occurred during the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) forum on October 17 and 18, with the participation of caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar.
Under the revised cost, the ML-1 project will be known as the “Rationalized Upgradation of ML-1 at 140/120km per hour (Upgradable to 160km per hour),” in contrast to the previous “Upgradation of ML-1 at 160/120 km per hour” as per the approved PC-I.
Zafar Zaman Ranjha, the team leader for the ML-1 project at Pakistan Railways, confirmed this development and expressed his pleasure with the signing of the addendum. With this update, the project can proceed under a revised plan.
The ML-1 project consists of four phases covering a total length of 1,726km, with segments connecting Karachi to Multan, Multan to Lahore, Lahore to Lalamusa, and Lalamusa to Peshawar. The revised project design allows for speeds of up to 140km per hour, with the potential to increase to 160km per hour after completing necessary upgrades and fencing along the track.
The next steps following the addendum’s signing include hiring a consultant, finalizing design amendments by October 30, preparing a modified PC-1 and gaining Ecnec approval, initiating and completing international bidding, signing commercial agreements, awarding contracts, and securing funding from the Exim Bank of China. Construction work is scheduled to commence in June of the following year.
