The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved the revised PC-I for the ML-1 railway project, a crucial part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) valued at $6.7 billion.
The CDWP has forwarded the project to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval along with the inclusion of the Havelian Dry Port project.
Additionally, seven small projects worth Rs 82.2 billion were approved, with three projects worth Rs 9.2 billion sent to ECNEC for approval including the Muzaffarabad-Mansehra Expressway and Mirpur-Mangla Road projects.
The National Railway Administration (NRA) of China has committed to closely collaborate with Pakistan Railways to kick-start ground operations for the ML-1 project, ensuring full support and speedy completion.
The ML-1 project, Pakistan’s first modern railway initiative, aims to upgrade the 1733-kilometre track from Karachi to Peshawar, introducing modern signaling systems and reducing travel durations significantly.
This transformative project involves the construction of railway tracks, bridges, culverts, fencing, and grade separations to enhance train speed and efficiency.