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ISLAMABAD, Jan 13 (APP):Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has announced that work on the Main Line-I (ML-I) project will commence from Karachi Port in July 2026.
During his recent visit to Karachi and a meeting with Chairman Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Rear Admiral (R) Shahid Ahmed, the minister said that a joint strategy has been finalized to enhance the port’s logistics and cargo handling performance.
Both sides agreed to strengthen the railway system to ensure efficient transportation of cargo from Karachi Port, said a press release issued here on Tuesday.
The minister outlined major reform initiatives in the cargo transport sector, stressing that serious efforts are underway to shift freight movement from road to rail in order to improve efficiency and reduce logistics costs.
He said Pakistan Railways would significantly expand its cargo handling capacity in the coming months. As part of this initiative, the railway infrastructure connected to Karachi Port will be upgraded and made more effective.
Hanif Abbasi further announced that the 54-kilometer railway section between KPT and Pipri will be modernized to facilitate faster and smoother cargo movement.
He said that Pakistan Railways plans to operate four freight trains daily within the next five months, a step expected to play a crucial role in promoting rail-based cargo transportation.
Chairman KPT Rear Admiral (R) Shahid Ahmed reaffirmed that bulk cargo transportation would be prioritized through rail and stated that KPT would upgrade its internal railway tracks to support enhanced freight operations.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to jointly improving Karachi Port’s logistics efficiency, with the aim of strengthening Pakistan’s trade and transport network.