Pakistan Railways begins market engagement for ML-1 Karachi-Rohri section upgrade

LAHORE: Pakistan Railways has launched the market engagement process for the proposed upgrade of the Karachi-Rohri section of the Main Line-1 (ML-1), a significant railway modernisation project designed to enhance passenger mobility and freight efficiency along the country’s busiest rail corridor.

The initiative was introduced to stakeholders during an early market engagement seminar held at a local hotel in Lahore on Wednesday. The event brought together representatives from international and local construction firms, consultants, development partners, and senior railway officials. The session served as a market-sounding exercise, providing participants with detailed briefings on the project’s scope, technical requirements, and procurement considerations.

Opening the seminar, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Operations Head Nissanka Salgado addressed attendees via a virtual link. He underscored the significance of modernising Pakistan’s railway infrastructure, highlighting the potential benefits for both passenger and freight transport.

The ML-1 project is regarded as a key component of Pakistan’s broader efforts to upgrade its railway network. The Karachi-Rohri section, in particular, is a critical segment of the ML-1 corridor, which handles a substantial portion of the nation’s rail traffic. The proposed upgrade aims to improve operational efficiency, safety, and service quality for both passenger and freight trains.

During the seminar, stakeholders were briefed on various aspects of the project, including technical specifications, expected timelines, and procurement processes. The event also provided an opportunity for participants to engage with project officials and seek clarifications on the proposed plans.

The market engagement process marks an important step towards the eventual implementation of the ML-1 Karachi-Rohri section upgrade, as Pakistan Railways seeks to attract interest from qualified contractors, consultants, and technology service providers.