Pakistan, China consent to begin work ML-1 project Immediately

Islamabad: Pakistan and China have consented to begin the way toward starting improvement work on the rail routes' Main Line (ML)- 1 venture, a news source covered July 14. The interest was communicated during the gathering held between Minster of Railways Azam Khan Swati and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong. During the meeting, Minister Swati said that the work on the enormous rail lines' availability Main Line - 1 (ML-1) undertaking will begin soon. While Rong accepts that the undertaking will take the joint effort between the two nations under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) drive higher than ever.
The two authorities of the state talked about the issues identified with postpones found in the
Pakistan Railway ML1 Project which includes the extension and upgradation of the rail route line that runs between Peshawar and Karachi.
Swati accepts that the consummation of the ML-1 Project would change the guide of the nation's current rail route structure and will profit the economy. Rong was of the view that the advancement of the ML-1 will bring the two nations closer together and work on reciprocal ties. Furthermore, the two players concurred that the consummation of CPEC will profit individuals by expanding business and venture openings.
The ML-1 task begins from Karachi and goes through four regions prior to closing in Peshawar. There have been a few conflicts between the two nations in regards to the money and quotes of the task. In any case, the two slides are relied upon to work out a shared arrangement in the forthcoming tenth Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) booked to be held for all intents and purposes on July 16, 2021.
“The latest on the $6.8 billion ML-1 project is that a finance committee comprising Chinese officials has sent the case related to $6 billion loan approval of the project to Exim Bank. Since the remaining $800 million will be provided by the government of Pakistan as equity, the total $6.8 billion will be spent on the completion of the entire rail-related infrastructure, mainly the line, fencing, civil works etc,” Pakistan Railways Federal Secretary / Railway Board Chairman Dr Habibur Rehman Gillani said.

Scope
• Multiplying of whole track from Karachi to Peshawar

• Speed of traveler trains to be raise from 65/110km/h to 160 km/h

• Cargo trains to work at 120 km/h

• PC based flagging and control framework

• Grade detachment to guarantee security of train activities
Obligation:
• Proposing Agency: Ministry of Railways

• Executing Agency: Pakistan Railways
• Administering Agency: Ministry of Communications, Government of Pakistan
Location
Karachi to Peshawar via Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Rohri, RahimyarKhan, Bahawalpur, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Peshawar
Estimated Cost (US $ Million)
6808
Project Progress Update
• Feasibility completed
• ML-1 Project declared ‘Strategic’ by 6th JCC in Beijing
• Framework Agreement on ML-1 signed on 15th May 2017 during PM Visit to China
• Commercial Contract for Preliminary Design signed on 15th May, 2017
• Project will be completed in 3 phases
• PC-1 has been submitted to MoPD&SI in October 2019
• A financing committee has been notified under the Chairmanship of Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission to liaison with the Chinese to finalize the concessional financing agreement
• PC-1 of ML-1 project approved by CDWP on 6th June 2020
• ECNEC approved the project on 5th August 2020