Railways intends China to expedite ML-1 project

LAHORE, Nov 26 (SABAH): Pakistan Railways has urged Chinese authorities to accelerate work on the multi-billion-dollar Mainline-1 (ML-1) project, a crucial part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Pakistan Railway CEO Amir Baloch made the request during a meeting with a high-level delegation from China’s National Railway Administration. The 21-member delegation, led by Zhu Mengrui, expressed full support and commitment to ensuring the timely commencement of the transformative ML-1 project.

Baloch emphasised the unparalleled cooperation between Pakistan and China in the energy and transport sectors. He described ML-1 as a game-changer set to revolutionise Pakistan’s transport landscape and significantly enhance revenue in the freight sector.

Mengrui, leading the ML-1 project team, assured collaborative efforts to address various aspects, including financing schemes and design proposals. This marks a significant stride towards strengthening economic ties and reducing transportation costs by establishing economic zones linked to ML-1.

Wang Chen, representing the Science and Technology Department of the Chinese Railways, was also a prominent member of the 21-member delegation.

Recently, the Ministry of Railways forwarded the revised PC-1 of the ML-1 project to the Ministry of Planning. Subsequently, the PC-1 will undergo presentations before the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) and the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval.

The estimated overall project cost stands at $6.67 billion, to be executed in two phases. The revised PC-1 outlines the construction of an initial phase covering a 930-kilometre track to be completed within five years, costing $3159.7 million.

Package One consists of a 397-kilometre track, encompassing Nowshera, Rohri, Khanpur, and PR Walton, while Package Two extends for 533 kilometres

.Package Two includes tracks from Karachi to Nawabshah (296 kilometers) and from Khanpur to Multan (237 kilometers), with a total expenditure of $3,159 million.

The second phase of ML-1 incurs a cost of $3,518.8 million, covering a track length of 796 kilometers. Package Three links Multan to Lahore (334 kilometers) with an expenditure of $799 million.

Package Four includes tracks from Lahore to Rawalpindi (288 kilometers) and Rawalpindi to Peshawar (174 kilometers), along with the Havelian Dry Port. The total cost is $2,719 million, with an expected completion within four years.

PC-1, or Planning Commission Form 1, serves as a comprehensive project document detailing project needs, description, justification, location, duration, cost estimates, and anticipated benefits.