Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to speed up work on the ML-1 upgrade project.
He issued the directive while chairing a meeting on Pakistan Railways reforms and ML-1 modernization in Islamabad.
The prime minister also called for corporate-style reforms in Pakistan Railways. He said the reforms should help improve efficiency and achieve financial self-reliance.
Railway Land to Support ML-1 Financing
Shehbaz Sharif approved the use of railway land to secure bank financing for ML-1 construction.
The government plans to develop commercial projects on valuable railway property. This approach could unlock additional resources for the major rail upgrade.
Moreover, the prime minister directed officials to assess the full commercial potential of railway land.
He ordered the authorities to submit a comprehensive plan within two weeks.
ML-1 Upgrade to Improve Rail Services
The prime minister described ML-1 modernization as vital for Pakistan Railways. The project aims to improve passenger travel and expand freight transportation.
Furthermore, better rail infrastructure could strengthen connectivity across major commercial centers.
The ML-1 route spans 1,726 kilometers. Authorities have divided the project into four major sections:
- Karachi–Rohri
- Rohri–Multan
- Multan–Lahore
- Lahore–Peshawar
Financing Plan for ML-1 Sections
Officials told the meeting that international financing is supporting the Karachi–Rohri section.
Meanwhile, the government is preparing plans to finance the remaining sections through domestic resources.
The meeting also reviewed construction progress and issues related to Pakistan Railways-owned land.
Corporate Reforms for Pakistan Railways
Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need to tap the commercial potential of railway properties. He said effective use of these assets could contribute to the national economy.
In addition, he expressed the government’s resolve to make Pakistan Railways financially self-reliant.
The prime minister also praised the efforts of teams from NAB and the Ministry of Railways. Their work helped identify and recover encroached railway land.
Government Push for a Profitable Rail Sector
The prime minister said the railway ministry is working to improve operations and make Pakistan Railways profitable.
As a result, the government is linking railway reforms with asset management, commercial development, and infrastructure modernization.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Hanif Abbasi. Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad, Chairman NAB Lieutenant General (Retd) Nazir Ahmad Butt, and other senior officials also participated.
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