ML-1 rail project funding hits another snag

The financing agreement with China for Pakistan’s ML-1 railway project has been postponed once again, as revisions and re-signing are required to adjust the project’s construction phases, according to sources in the Ministry of Planning.

To address these delays, virtual negotiations are planned for tomorrow, ahead of a visit by the Chinese technical team next month. The talks will focus on finalizing the feasibility study and determining the timeline for its completion. Details of the upcoming visit will also be discussed during the meeting.

The agreement has been divided into two phases after discussions in the Joint Working Group meeting. Once all matters are resolved, the project will move to the signing stage. However, the delays suggest that the inauguration, originally set for February 2025, might be postponed.

ML-1 remains a pivotal project for Pakistan’s infrastructure development, with ongoing efforts aimed at overcoming challenges and ensuring timely progress.