Pakistan Railways plans to launch work on the Main Line-I (ML-I) project from Karachi Port as part of efforts to modernize the country’s rail infrastructure and improve cargo movement.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said the project will begin from Karachi Port in July 2026. During his visit to Karachi, Abbasi said Pakistan Railways and the Karachi Port Trust finalized a joint strategy to strengthen rail connectivity and improve cargo handling at the port.
He held a meeting with Karachi Port Trust Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed, where both sides agreed to enhance coordination for efficient transportation of goods. The minister said the ML-I project aims to upgrade major rail infrastructure and improve freight and passenger connectivity between Karachi and Peshawar.
He added that the government is working to shift freight transport from roads to rail to improve efficiency and reduce logistics costs. Abbasi said Pakistan Railways will expand its cargo handling capacity in the coming months.
As part of this effort, authorities will upgrade rail infrastructure linked to Karachi Port. He also said Pakistan Railways will modernize the 54-kilometer rail section between Karachi Port and Pipri to support faster and smoother cargo movement.