SC Calls for Swift Action on ML-1 Railway Project and Strategic Development Plans
Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives chaired by Acting Chairperson Mr. Farhan Chishti, convened to address critical updates on national development projects, including the much-anticipated ML-1 railway upgradation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The meeting focused on securing timely progress and transparent reporting on these crucial initiatives, which are vital to the nation’s economic growth and infrastructural modernization.Railways offering 50% concession for disabled persons
The Planning Ministry briefed the committee on previous project recommendations, reporting that several key projects remain unfunded and others have recently been transferred to provincial authorities. During the meeting, members raised issues around delays in the allocation of funds and the evolving role of the Public Works Department (PWD) as it transitions under new structure. The committee highlighted the pressing need for clarity on the ministry’s operational scope, particularly in terms of overseeing federal development schemes and securing budget allocations for high-priority projects.
The Ministry of Railways presented the committee with an updated plan for the ML-1 project, originally designed to enhance freight and passenger connectivity from Karachi to Peshawar.
The Ministry emphasized a phased approach to the project, noting that Phase I will prioritize the Karachi-Hyderabad section. This key segment will reduce travel time between the two cities.
The committee sought clarification on funding details, as 85% of the project will be financed by China, with the remainder from Pakistani equity. Questions around the project’s operational speed, currently capped at 160 km/h, were raised, with the Ministry explaining that higher speeds would require substantial new alignment and escalated costs.
The committee outlined several key recommendations to ensure that these projects are executed with transparency and efficiency. It emphasized the need for an immediate convening of the steering committee to finalize the direction and execution timelines for ongoing federal projects.
The Planning Ministry was asked to submit a full update on all PWD-led projects, especially those related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SAP). Additionally, detailed information on PWD projects in constituencies NA-37, 38, and 39 was requested to ensure that federal allocations are equitable and impactful.
The Railways Ministry was directed to provide comprehensive documentation on the funding agreements, economic impacts, and design adjustments for the ML-1 project, ensuring alignment with CPEC’s broader strategic objectives.
The meeting of the Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives was attended by MNAs; Mr Farhan Chishti, Mr Usman Awaisi, Mr Tahir Iqbal, Ms Akhtar Bibi, Mr Dawar Khan Kundi, Mr Saleem Rehman, Mr Moazzam Ali Khan and Ms Izbal Zehri (Virtually). The meeting was also attended by senior officers of the Ministry of Planning, Railways and Cabinet.
