Pakistan Railways Set to Kick Off ML-1 Mega Project in 2025

Islamabad – May 28, 2025: Pakistan Railways is set to launch the much-anticipated ML-1 Project this year, a transformative initiative that aims to completely revamp the nation’s rail infrastructure and improve connectivity across key economic corridors.

As reported on Nation Bytes, the ML-1 (Main Line-1) project forms a major part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and is hailed as the largest railway modernization effort in Pakistan’s history. The project will upgrade approximately 1,733 kilometers of rail track from Karachi to Peshawar, passing through major hubs including Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.

The government has finalized technical designs, with initial groundwork already underway. According to the Ministry of Railways, the first phase of the ML-1 Project is expected to break ground within 2025.

ML-1 Project Highlights:

• Route Coverage: 1,733 km from Karachi to Peshawar

• Estimated Cost: Over $6.7 billion

• Funding Source: Chinese concessional loans under CPEC

• Speed Enhancement: Up to 160 km/h

• Employment Impact: Over 24,000 jobs to be created during execution

• Upgrades: Track doubling, modern signals, and advanced safety systems

Experts believe this mega initiative will not only enhance passenger travel experience but also double freight capacity, reduce transportation costs, and improve economic integration across provinces.

“The ML-1 is a strategic national investment, and timely execution is a top priority,” a senior railway official told , where developments on the project are regularly tracked.

Beyond infrastructure, the project is expected to spark industrial growth, streamline logistics, and improve trade flows between regions.

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With the ML-1 launch anticipated this year, Pakistan Railways is stepping into a new area of efficiency, safety, and growth—positioning itself as a backbone for national development and regional connectivity.