Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to present proposals for upgrading the Rohri–Multan section of Main Line-1 (ML-1) as he reviewed progress on the Pakistan Railways Transformation Plan.
The meeting, held in Islamabad, was briefed on the progress of ML-1 and ML-3 upgrade projects, the Thar Coal Railway Connectivity Project and other railway initiatives.
The Rohri–Multan section is part of the ML-1 project, which envisages upgrading the 1,733-kilometre railway line between Peshawar and Karachi under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The prime minister stressed the importance of completing railway development projects within stipulated timelines while maintaining quality standards. He said a modern and efficient railway system would help strengthen the economy, promote trade and improve regional connectivity.
The meeting was informed that the detailed engineering design for the Karachi–Rohri section of ML-1 had been completed, while the Rohri–Nokundi section of ML-3 would be upgraded through the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and bridge financing arrangements.
The 112-kilometre Thar Coal Railway Connectivity Project, linking the Thar coalfields with Chhor Railway Station, is 60% complete and is expected to be finished by December 2026.
The meeting was also informed that an international consultant had been engaged to support railway reforms. Services of Pakistan Railways-operated schools and hospitals have been outsourced, while work is underway to commercialise six major railway stations.
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