Work on CPEC ML-1 project to start soon: Saad Rafique

ISLAMABAD (July 21): Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique said that the work on ML-1 project will begin by the end of this year.

Talking to media in Lahore, he said that due to lack of interest of previous government the cost of the project has increased. He said the talks on ML-I project have moved ahead and hoped that an agreement on the project will be finalized by the end of current year.

Under CPEC, we installed more than 8,000 megawatts of power projects. It has helped us to construct modern highways, and motorways, which has improved connectivity in the country, linked different parts of the country, and provided efficient logistic support to the economy.

He said, “Through CPEC, we have also developed infrastructure in Gwadar.”

“We have also improved the digital infrastructure with fiber optic cable that has been laid between China and Pakistan.”

“With CPEC, we have also carried out a number of socio-economic projects for uplifting the social conditions of people.”

He said the railway track between Kotri and Larkana, which was damaged during the previous year’s heavy rainfall and flooding, have been repaired.

The railway track was reopened after suspension of rail traffic for one year as Mohen Jo Daro Express, carrying passengers left for Rohri.

Federal railways minister attended the inaugural ceremony on video link.

Divisional Superintendent Railways Karachi Muhammad Nasir Khalili inaugurated the repaired railway track at Kotri Station.

The track was damaged by last year’s flooding at three points between Kotri Station and Sehwan.