The work on the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project is expected to begin in July 2026 from the Karachi Port, said Minister of Railways Hanif Abbasi on Tuesday.

The ML-1 project aims to upgrade and modernise key infrastructure to enhance freight and passenger connectivity from Karachi to Peshawar.

Last month, a review meeting on the key Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects was also informed that the project will begin in July this year.

According to a press release issued today, Abbasi, in a meeting with the Chairman Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed, on January 9, said that the construction of the project will begin from the Karachi Port, starting in July.

During the meeting, he informed chairman KPT that under the project, a 54-kilometre railway section from “KPT to Pipri will be upgraded to ensure seamless cargo movement”.

The two also discussed “measures for strengthening the railway system for efficient cargo transportation from Karachi Port”.

Reduction of congestion at KPT and the surrounding road networks also came under discussion, with the suggestion of shifting “a larger share of cargo transportation from roads to rail”.

“Both sides agreed that rail-based freight transport is a cost-effective and sustainable solution to improve logistics efficiency and support trade activities,” the press release read.

Abbasi also outlined reforms aimed at enhancing the freight handling capacity of Pakistan Railways during the meeting.

In that regard, the minister, stressing the significance of KPT in national and international trade, called for “close coordination between Pakistan Railways and KPT to improve port logistics performance”.

Abbasi also detailed plans to “operate at least four freight trains daily within the next five months, with priority given to bulk cargo transportation”.

Chairman KPT also vowed to work closely with Pakistan Railways, outlining plans to upgrade KPT’s internal railway tracks.

“Both sides agreed that enhanced rail connectivity will not only reduce pressure on roads and ports but will also lower logistics costs, improve turnaround times, and contribute to the growth of trade, industry, and the national economy,” the press release read.

In August 2025, the Senate Standing Committee on Railways had recommended expediting work on the project.

The chairman railways briefed the committee that the ML-1 project was among PR’s top priorities, as it is the central railway line linking Karachi with the entire country.

For this reason, the project will commence from Karachi, and efforts are underway to initiate development work at the earliest, he added.