ML-I Project Launch Date Announced as Pakistan Railways Plans Major Upgrade from Karachi Port
Pakistan Railways has announced a significant development in its long-awaited railway modernization drive, confirming that work on the Main Line-I (ML-I) project will begin from Karachi Port in July 2026. The announcement marks a key milestone in efforts to overhaul the country’s rail infrastructure and strengthen cargo and passenger connectivity across Pakistan.
The confirmation came from Hanif Abbasi, who shared details during his recent visit to Karachi. He stated that Pakistan Railways and the Karachi Port Trust have finalized a joint strategy aimed at improving rail access to the port and streamlining cargo handling operations.
According to the minister, the ML-I project will be launched from Karachi Port as part of a phased implementation plan. The initiative is designed to modernize key railway infrastructure, upgrade tracks and signaling systems, and improve overall efficiency on the country’s busiest rail corridor connecting Karachi with Peshawar.
During his visit, Abbasi held discussions with Karachi Port Trust Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed. Both sides agreed that closer coordination between port authorities and Pakistan Railways is essential to ensure smooth and efficient transportation of goods, particularly for import and export cargo.
Officials said the ML-I project is central to the government’s broader strategy of shifting freight transport from roads to rail. By doing so, authorities aim to reduce logistics costs, cut fuel consumption, and ease pressure on the country’s highways, which currently carry the bulk of freight traffic.
The minister emphasized that rail-based cargo movement is not only more economical but also more sustainable in the long term. He added that Pakistan Railways plans to expand its cargo handling capacity in the coming months to support growing trade volumes and future industrial demand.
As part of the Karachi-focused phase, rail infrastructure directly linked to the port will be upgraded to support faster and more reliable cargo movement. One of the key components of this plan is the modernization of the 54-kilometer rail section between Karachi Port and Pipri. Upgrading this stretch is expected to significantly improve turnaround times for freight trains and reduce congestion at the port.
The ML-I project, which has been under discussion for several years, is widely regarded as the backbone of Pakistan’s railway revival. Once completed, it is expected to enhance passenger travel speeds, improve safety standards, and boost the competitiveness of rail transport for long-distance cargo movement.
Experts believe that launching the project from Karachi Port sends a strong signal about the government’s focus on trade facilitation and economic efficiency. With Karachi serving as Pakistan’s primary maritime gateway, improved rail connectivity is seen as crucial for supporting exports, imports, and industrial growth.
While the July 2026 start date sets a clear timeline, officials have stressed that preparatory work and coordination with stakeholders will continue over the coming months. The successful execution of ML-I is expected to play a transformative role in Pakistan’s transport and logistics landscape.
