Rawalpindi: Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has announced the launch of the ML-II project with an investment of $2.5 billion, in collaboration with the National Logistics Corporation and DP World. He made this announcement while speaking to the media after inaugurating the upgraded platforms at Rawalpindi Railway Station.

According to Radio Pakistan, Hanif Abbasi mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed that no negligence will be tolerated regarding the improvement of Pakistan Railways, particularly in the restoration of tracks. He also discussed a proposed 840-kilometre corridor that would connect Chaman, Kandahar, Herat, and Turkmenistan, emphasizing that this would link Pakistan with Central Asia.

The Minister highlighted the resumption of Jaffar Express and Bolan Express services in Balochistan as a major success. Furthermore, he announced that a $2 billion project for the 480-kilometre Karachi-Rohri section has received approval from the Asian Development Bank and is expected to commence by the end of July this year.

Providing updates on freight operations, Abbasi mentioned that the number of freight trains operating between Rohri and Karachi has increased from eight to ten daily. He also noted that the Hazara Express has been upgraded and that all remaining trains will be upgraded by December this year.

An agreement has been signed with the Frontier Works Organization for digitalization, aiming to make every railway station smart and secure. Abbasi also mentioned significant improvements planned outside Lahore Railway Station, with two billion rupees allocated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for the project.

He announced the launch of a safari train in Thar and indicated that similar initiatives will be introduced wherever opportunities exist. Legislation has been passed to allow provinces to invest in railway projects without facing any hurdles.