The Karachi-Rohri rail project is finally moving forward after years of delay. Pakistan Railways wants to start civil work on this $2.5 billion upgrade by January 2027. The project is the first phase of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) modernisation. This guide explains the route, cost, funding, timeline, and what it means for passengers and trade.
Karachi-Rohri Rail Project at a Glance
- Section: Karachi to Rohri/Sukkur, about 480 km.
- Estimated cost: about $2.5 billion.
- Target start: January 2027.
- Construction time: about 2.5 to 3 years.
- Train speed: up to 160 km/h after the upgrade.
- Lead financier: Asian Development Bank (ADB).
What Will the Project Build?
The first phase will lay new up and down tracks on the 480 km section. Fencing will also be installed on both sides. This will stop people, animals, and vehicles from entering the track without permission.
The upgrade is meant to raise train speeds to 160 km/h. Currently, the old infrastructure needs repeated and costly repairs. Therefore, officials chose this section as the starting point.
Why Is This Section So Important?
ML-1 runs about 1,726 km from Karachi to Peshawar. It carries around 76 percent of Pakistan’s rail passenger traffic and about 98 percent of its rail freight. In addition, it connects Karachi Port and Port Qasim with the rest of the country.
Officials also describe the line as a lifeline for the Reko Diq and Thar coal projects. Moreover, the Karachi-Rohri section is seen as vital for moving minerals from Balochistan to Karachi’s export hubs.
Who Is Paying for the Karachi-Rohri Rail Project?
The ADB is leading the financing. It is considering a multitranche facility that would cover railway infrastructure, signalling, operations, and reforms. Reports say other lenders may join to cover the rest of the cost.
However, the reported figures differ. ADB project documents have listed about $1.1 billion, while other reports mention around $1.2 billion or a package of about $2 billion. Cost estimates also vary. Some official documents have cited $2.04 billion, while the railways minister uses about $2.5 billion. Therefore, the final numbers will become clear only after bidding.
Timeline: What Happens Before January 2027?
Several steps must finish first. The Railway Board Chairman has ordered the review phase to end by 30 October 2026. He also asked for weekly progress monitoring.
- Complete the project review by 30 October 2026.
- Finalise the project design with ADB, which says it aims to do so in October.
- Hold the second round of market consultations.
- Complete tendering, bidding, shortlisting, and contract awards.
- Start civil work, targeted for January 2027.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said market engagement, tendering, and contract awards could take four to five months. The government has also promised to lay the foundation stone during the current financial year.
Why Has the Project Faced So Many Delays?
The wider ML-1 plan has been delayed for years. Disagreements over cost, scope, and financing slowed progress. Originally, the project was a flagship CPEC scheme. Later, Pakistan turned to the ADB for the first section, while it keeps seeking Chinese financing for later sections.
The plan has also been reduced in size. The government now estimates the full rationalised ML-1 at about $6.66 billion, down from earlier estimates near $10 billion.
What Comes After Karachi-Rohri?
ML-1 will be upgraded in five sections. After Karachi-Rohri, the next ones are Rohri-Multan, Multan-Lahore, Lahore-Rawalpindi, and Rawalpindi-Peshawar. The Rohri-Multan section is about 449 km, with an estimated cost of $1.26 billion. Reports also say the government is exploring private investment for it.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the Karachi-Rohri section should be seen as the first step toward modernising the entire Karachi-Peshawar corridor.
What Will Change for Passengers and Businesses?
If the project meets its schedule, passengers could enjoy faster and safer trains. Freight movement should also improve, which may lower transport costs for exporters. However, benefits will arrive only after construction ends, which is likely in about three years from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Karachi-Rohri section?
It is about 480 km long.
How much will the Karachi-Rohri rail project cost?
The railways minister estimates about $2.5 billion. Some documents give lower figures, so the final cost may change after bidding.
When will construction start?
Pakistan Railways targets January 2027, if the review, design, and bidding steps finish on time.
How fast will trains run after the upgrade?
The upgrade aims for speeds of up to 160 km/h.
Who is funding the project?
The Asian Development Bank is leading the financing, and other lenders may join.
Conclusion
The Karachi-Rohri rail project could modernise Pakistan’s most important rail corridor. The January 2027 target is ambitious, because design, bidding, and financing steps are still pending. Readers should watch for the 30 October review deadline and the tender announcements. For more updates on Pakistan’s infrastructure, keep following Pakistan Post. You can also read the original report on Dawn.
