.
ISLAMABAD:
The government has decided to start ground work on Karachi-Rohri segment of Karachi-Peshawar main line (ML-1) in July next year.
The government had secured a $2 billion financing package from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the project with the aim of completing it by December 2028 to facilitate transportation from the multi-billion dollar Reko Diq copper and gold project.
Planning Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal chaired a review meeting on key projects in the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) in the railway, highway and water sectors, and directed relevant ministries to prioritize timely execution, quality assurance and realistic financial planning for the next three years to ensure delivery of national critical infrastructure.
The meeting held here reviewed major transport and water sector interventions under PSDP 2025-26, a press release said on Saturday.
The meeting also reviewed the upgrading of 884 kilometer Main Line-3 (ML-3) and the Thar Coal Railway Connectivity Project, a strategic initiative aimed at improving logistics for energy supply and industrial development.
The Thar Coal Railway Connectivity Project, with an estimated cost of Rs.53.7 billion, consists of three packages, including the construction of a new single-track railway line from the Thar coal mines to the new Chorr station over a distance of 105 kilometers, a new double-track line of approximately nine kilometers from Bin Qasim to Port Qasim, unloading a package at Qasim, while developing the package at Qasim, and Lakhra power station. The project is expected to be completed in June 2026.
Iqbal directed the Ministry of Railways to submit a clear assessment of the funding requirement for the next three years.
The meeting also reviewed the National Highway Authority’s portfolio under PSDP 2025-26, which includes 71 projects with a total cost of approximately Rs 3,407 billion.
Under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework, the Minister highlighted the Sambrial-Kharian-Rawalpindi Expressway, M-8 in Balochistan and Mashkel-Panjgur-Chadgi road projects as high priority initiatives that require expedited implementation.
The meeting also reviewed major water sector projects under PSDP 2025-26 which include 34 projects with a total approved cost of Rs 1,848 billion. Key projects discussed included Dasu Hydropower Project, Diamer-Bhasha Dam, Mohmand Dam Hydropower Project, Chashma Right Bank Canal, Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project and the K-IV water supply project for Karachi.
