UAE Partners with Pakistan on Country’s Largest-Ever Railway Project

UAE Strengthens Partnership in Pakistan’s Railway Sector

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are advancing a new chapter of collaboration in transportation infrastructure as the two countries prepare to work together on Pakistan’s largest railway initiative—the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project. The announcement was made by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, who confirmed that the UAE is already involved in the project and that discussions are ongoing with Etihad Rail for expanded cooperation.

This development is poised to significantly strengthen bilateral relations between Islamabad and Abu Dhabi while also transforming Pakistan’s rail network into a modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable system.

ML-1: Pakistan’s Biggest Railway Modernization

The ML-1 project represents the largest railway upgrade in Pakistan’s history. Stretching across 1,872 kilometers from Karachi to Peshawar, the project aims to:

• Convert the single-track line into a dual-track high-capacity corridor.

• Introduce advanced digital signaling and communication systems.

• Reconstruct and modernize bridges and railway stations.

• Enhance passenger experience with upgraded terminals.

• Increase train speeds from 65–110 km/h to up to 160 km/h.

The ML-1 modernization is expected to not only shorten passenger travel times but also expand freight capacity, making Pakistan a critical regional hub for trade and connectivity.

Alongside ML-1, the ML-3 corridor, linking Quetta to Kotri via Jacobabad, is also under consideration. Both projects are strategically aligned to connect Pakistan with Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East.

Global Rail Conference 2025: A Platform for Collaboration

The announcement came during the Global Rail Conference and Exhibition 2025, held in Abu Dhabi from September 30 to October 2. The event, organized by Etihad Rail in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, brought together:

• Over 24 ministerial delegations.

• More than 60 global CEOs.

• Around 200 international speakers.

• Over 20,000 industry visitors.

With the theme “Driving the Future of Transport and Global Connectivity,” the conference served as a crucial platform for countries to showcase infrastructure projects, share best practices, and discuss innovations in sustainable mobility.

Ambassador Faisal Tirmizi highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geographical advantage at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. He noted that closer cooperation with the UAE, particularly through Etihad Rail, would advance not only Pakistan’s railway modernization but also broader regional connectivity.

Etihad Rail’s Role in Pakistan’s Railway Future

As the UAE’s flagship rail project, Etihad Rail is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting Pakistan’s railway transformation. The partnership is envisioned to include:

• Technology transfer for advanced signaling and automation.

• Freight logistics expertise to boost cargo transport.

• Station and network design input for international standards.

• Operational efficiency models to improve passenger and freight services.

By leveraging Etihad Rail’s expertise, Pakistan aims to align its railway systems with global benchmarks and prepare its network for regional trade integration.

Minister Bilal Azhar Kiyani’s Engagements in the UAE

Pakistan’s delegation to the Global Rail Conference was led by Minister of State for Finance and Railways, Bilal Azhar Kiyani. During his visit, Kiyani engaged in a series of high-profile activities to highlight Pakistan’s railway modernization agenda.

• He experienced a high-speed train ride between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, completing the journey in just 35 minutes. The route is set to officially launch in 2026, marking a major milestone for the UAE’s rail network.

• Kiyani chaired a ministerial session attended by representatives from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The discussions revolved around enhancing cross-border rail connectivity across the Middle East and Asia.

• He met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasizing the need for closer collaboration in railways, governance, energy, and investment.

According to Ambassador Tirmizi, these discussions made a significant contribution to strengthening Pakistan–UAE ties while advancing shared goals of regional integration.

Pakistan’s Vision for Modern Railways

In a separate statement, Pakistan’s Embassy in Abu Dhabi reiterated Islamabad’s vision to transform its railways into a modern, reliable, and eco-friendly transport system.

Minister Kiyani stressed the importance of upgrading both the ML-1 and ML-3 corridors in line with international safety, speed, and environmental standards. This transformation is expected to:

• Reduce dependence on road transport, cutting emissions and costs.

• Increase freight transport capacity for goods moving between China, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Pakistan’s ports.

• Provide faster, safer, and more comfortable travel for millions of domestic passengers.

Strategic Meetings with Etihad Rail

On the sidelines of the exhibition, Minister Kiyani held discussions with Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak. The talks focused on:

• Expanding cooperation in freight logistics.

• Exploring technology transfer opportunities.

• Reviewing possibilities for network expansion through joint ventures.

Kiyani also visited exhibition stalls of Etihad Rail and Hafeet Rail, where he reviewed progress in advanced rail systems and discussed their potential applications for Pakistan.

Rail as the Future of Regional Connectivity

Ambassador Tirmizi underscored the role of rail transport in cost-effective and sustainable connectivity.

“After sea freight, rail remains the most eco-friendly and affordable transport option,” he noted, adding that investment in railways will be crucial for Pakistan’s economic growth and trade expansion.

By modernizing ML-1 and partnering with UAE, Pakistan aims to position itself as a regional logistics hub, bridging trade between China, Central Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Pakistan and the UAE on the ML-1 railway project marks a turning point in the region’s infrastructure development. With Etihad Rail’s expertise and Pakistan’s strategic location, the modernization of ML-1 will not only transform domestic transport but also enhance cross-border connectivity.

As Pakistan prepares for an ambitious railway future, the partnership with the UAE underscores the importance of shared innovation, investment, and technology transfer in shaping sustainable global transport systems.