Pakistan Advances Toward $2bn Financing for ML-1 Karachi–Rohri Rail Project
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has moved closer to securing major financing for the ML-1 Karachi–Rohri railway project as the Ministry of Railways and the Asian Development Bank hold advanced discussions over a proposed $2 billion loan package, officials said.
The development marks renewed momentum for the long-delayed Main Line-1 upgrade under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
According to official sources, the issue was reviewed during a high-level CPEC meeting chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. Railway authorities informed the meeting that the Karachi–Rohri section is estimated to cost around $2 billion, with ADB expected to provide approximately $1.2 billion.
Officials said ADB is coordinating with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the European Investment Bank to arrange the remaining financing. The multi-lender structure is intended to bridge the funding gap and accelerate work on the strategic rail corridor.
Participants were also told that Pakistan’s Embassy in China has sought detailed information on the ML-1 financing framework, including third-party participation and Chinese funding requirements for specific segments. The relevant data will be shared with Beijing to facilitate future negotiations.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal directed the Ministry of Railways and concerned departments to prepare a comprehensive progress report and financing roadmap for ML-1 sections beyond Rohri, particularly with regard to potential Chinese involvement. The report will be forwarded to Pakistan’s mission in Beijing.
Separately, the National Information Technology Board briefed the meeting on progress made on a digital CPEC Dashboard aimed at tracking project timelines and implementation challenges. The minister instructed NITB to make the system fully operational within 15 days.
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