ML-1 Railways project re-approved, moves forward for final nod

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has given preliminary approval for the re-approval of the CPEC's flagship railway project, ML-1, under the PC-1 framework, reported 24NewsHd TV channel Thursday.

This crucial step paves the way for final approval, which has been handed over to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

The ML-1 project, valued at $6.7 billion, involves the upgradation of the Karachi to Multan 929 km track in its first phase.

This upgrade will enable trains to operate at speeds of up to 160 km per hour. Following the final approval from ECNEC, an international tender will be issued in August, with participation limited to Chinese companies.

This development marks significant progress for one of the most vital components of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), aimed at modernizing Pakistan's railway infrastructure and enhancing connectivity within the region.