Karachi: Groundbreaking for the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project, specifically the Karachi-Rohri section, is anticipated to commence next year. This was disclosed during a high-level review meeting in Islamabad, focusing on key Public Sector Development Programme projects in the railways, highways, and water sectors.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting also evaluated the upgradation of 884 kilometers of Main Line-3 (ML-3) and the Thar Coal Railway Connectivity Project. This strategic initiative aims to enhance logistics for energy supply and industrial development. The Thar Coal Railway Connectivity Project, valued at 53.7 billion rupees, is projected to be completed by June next year.

The National Highway Authority's portfolio under PSDP 2025-26 was also assessed during the meeting. It includes 71 projects with a total cost of approximately 3,407 billion rupees. The Minister directed the completion of the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway within three years and urged the acceleration of work on the Karakoram Highway phase-II, targeting completion by 2028.

Under the Public-Private Partnership framework, the Minister highlighted the Sambrial-Kharian-Rawalpindi motorway and the Mashkel-Panjgur-Chadgi road projects as high-priority initiatives requiring swift implementation.

Additionally, major water-sector projects under PSDP 2025-26 were reviewed. These comprise 34 projects with a total approved cost of 1,848 billion rupees. Key projects discussed include the 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.