Atlas Corridor
Component

ML-1 Upgrade

railway

Cities

Karachi
Pakistan
Hyderabad
Pakistan
Multan
Pakistan
Lahore
Pakistan
Islamabad
Pakistan
Peshawar
Pakistan

Distance

2665km
new
– km
rehabilitated
2665km
existing
– km

Cost

$6.8b
$6,800,000,000

Phases

planned,

Objective

The primary objective of the ML-1 (Main Line-1) upgrade project in Pakistan is to modernize and enhance the country's railway infrastructure, leading to improved connectivity and economic growth. This involves constructing a new track, upgrading signalling systems, and increasing train speeds to potentially 160 km per hour. The project aims to increase the line's capacity and enhance passenger and freight transport efficiency

Description

The Main Line-1 (ML-1) upgrade is a significant railway project in Pakistan aimed at modernizing and improving the existing rail network, particularly along the Karachi-Peshawar route. The project involves doubling the track, adding modern signaling and telecom systems, and improving infrastructure to allow for higher train speeds and increased capacit

History

Since 2015 plans were drawn to expand and reconstruct the ML-1 main line, funded by Chinese loans, as part of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. The present-day Karachi–Peshawar Railway Line was built as a patchwork of different railways during the British Raj during the 19th century.

Finance

$680000000 investment
Pakistan Government Government
logo
$6120000000 loan
Exim Bank of China Development bank

Operators

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Pakistan Railways
Ministry