- October 1, 2026
- Posted by: Tresmark
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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is finalising a $1.1 billion investment programme to upgrade Pakistan Railways’ Main Line-1 (ML-1) between Karachi and Rohri, with the aim of improving rail efficiency, safety and sustainability.
The proposed multi-tranche facility will cover the modernisation of the 480-kilometre Karachi-Rohri section, including climate-resilient infrastructure, upgraded signalling and operations, as well as institutional and capacity-building measures.
Of the total financing, $1 billion will come from ADB’s ordinary capital resources, while another $100 million will be provided through concessional lending.
An ADB fact-finding mission is scheduled for January 2027 to assess project details and environmental and social impacts in consultation with the federal and Sindh governments.
The Karachi-Rohri section forms a key part of Pakistan’s passenger and freight network. The project is expected to improve logistics efficiency, regional connectivity and the overall reliability of the railway system.
Pakistan plans to use the ADB financing for the Karachi-Rohri section while seeking additional support from development partners for the remaining ML-1 route from Rohri to Peshawar.
The Karachi-Rohri upgrade has been estimated at around $2.5 billion, with completion targeted within three years. The Nawabshah-Rohri section, spanning 183 kilometres, is also being prioritised.
