KARACHI: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reaffirmed its intent to align as a development partner with the government and identified Karachi-Rohri rail corridor as the priority project.

A 10-member high-level Reconnaissance Mission of subject matter experts from the ADB, led by Mr Suenghyun Kim, Senior Transport Specialist, visited the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) to review existing and future port–rail connectivity and assess related logistics infrastructure.

Following earlier engagements with the government, the reconnaissance mission represents ADB’s initial step toward revitalising rail connectivity to Pakistan’s ports, a KPT press release said.

The delegation was briefed on KPT’s cargo-handling capabilities, its role as Pakistan’s maritime gateway, and the port’s strategic connectivity requirements for efficient inland cargo movement. Discussions also covered KPT’s ongoing and planned development initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, including dredging, increasing draught depth, and strengthening multimodal integration with terminal operators.

KPT Chairman retired Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed highlighted that, at present, cargo from Karachi Port is transported by road trailers, leading to severe urban congestion and increased road safety risks due to heavy traffic.

He said KPT’s cargo-handling operations run round the clock, but the movement of trailers out of the port is restricted until after 11pm, creating a critical bottleneck in cargo transshipment.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2026