LAHORE: Pakistan Railways’ (PR) Main Line-1 (ML-1) project is likely to be cleared by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) and Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) in 30 days, as extensive discussions and consultations have been carried out for the purpose.

“The project is currently with the CDWP that has given a timeframe to the railways ministry, planning division and other stakeholders to complete all required processes ahead of the approval. Hopefully, the entire work will be completed and then approved by the CDWP and then Ecnec,” Railways Secretary/PR Chairman Dr Habibur Rehman Gilani told Dawn on Tuesday.

On Feb 26, the PR had submitted a revised PC-I of the project to the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. The PC-1 featured downward revision of overall cost from $9.248 billion to $9.172bn. The PR is also working to create a new administrative structure and more efficient human resource for the project that will be completed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Mr Gilani said the PR had finalised the feasibilities, design, Bill of Quantities, revised PC-1 among other tasks. A dedicated project management unit had been established at the Railways Ministry. “The PR and the planning division have carried out detailed deliberation with all stakeholders, including conducting two workshops in Islamabad,” he added.

To a question about various bottlenecks in approval of the project (alleged reluctance from senior officials in signing documents due to fear of the accountability bureau), the PR chairman dispelled the impression, stating that such mega projects were required to be discussed and deliberated upon repeatedly till their approval.

Talking about Karachi Circular Railways (KCR), Mr Gilani said the Supreme Court had given six months to revive the project by removing all encroachments along the track. The Sindh government has estimated $1.9bn for completion of the project that included procurement of state-of-the-art coaches and locomotives. “But this way, the project will take at least three years. So, the PR has decided to revive the KCR with the existing track and launch operations within six months. In the meantime, the Sindh government will ensure removal of all encroachments along the remaining stretch of the 43km KCR track and hand it over to the railways,” he added.

Published in Dawn, March 11th, 2020