ML-2 Freight Corridor Plan Announced as Pakistan Railways Partners with NLC
The ML-2 freight corridor will soon transform how Pakistan moves goods across the country. Pakistan Railways and the National Logistics Corporation have agreed to work together on this major upgrade. Therefore, freight transport could become faster and more efficient.
Pakistan Railways and NLC Launch Major Upgrade
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi announced the partnership on Thursday. He said both sides will develop ML-2 as a dedicated freight corridor. This corridor will start from Kotri and end at Attock.
Abbasi explained that the project will cost around $2 billion. NLC will arrange the financing through banks or funding agencies. In addition, both organizations will hire an international consultant for feasibility and planning work.
ML-2 is one of Pakistan’s key railway routes. It stretches nearly 1,250 kilometers and connects many cities. As a result, the upgraded corridor will help industries move goods quickly.
More than 90 railway stations operate along this route. Important stops include Kotri, Sehwan Sharif, Dadu, Larkana, Jacobabad, DG Khan, Mianwali, and Attock City. Moreover, the route serves many areas in interior Sindh.
The minister said the project will add a separate track for freight trains. It will also include modern facilities to support cargo movement.
Other Rail Projects Moving Forward
Abbasi also shared updates on the ML-1 project. Pakistan Railways plans to begin Phase-1 from Karachi to Rohri in July this year. This section covers 480 kilometers.
The Asian Development Bank has agreed to finance Phase-1. Meanwhile, officials are working with other global institutions for later phases. Therefore, the government hopes to complete the project step by step.
The minister also spoke about ML-3, which runs from Rohri to Taftan via Quetta. Work on this route may begin in April. This line supports international freight operations to Turkiye through Iran.
PR CEO Amir Ali Baloch confirmed that ADB teams have visited the Karachi-Rohri sites three times. He said funding discussions have progressed well. As a result, officials feel confident about starting construction soon.
The full ML-1 project will cost $6.7 billion and will move forward in phases.
