ECNEC Approves ML-1, Havelian Dry Port and Thar Coal Rail Projects
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council has approved the Main Line-1 railway upgrade project along with the Havelian dry port and Thar coal railway projects, marking one of the most significant infrastructure investment decisions of the current fiscal year. ECNEC clearance unlocks formal procurement and implementation processes for the three strategically important projects.
The ML-1 upgrade, a flagship component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, involves modernisation of Pakistan's longest railway artery connecting Karachi to Peshawar. The project is expected to transform freight and passenger capacity along the corridor and is among the highest-value infrastructure investments ever approved in the country.
The Havelian dry port, positioned as an inland container terminal and trade logistics hub near the China border, is designed to complement the ML-1 upgrade and strengthen Pakistan's connectivity with Central Asia and China. The Thar coal railway project will provide dedicated rail infrastructure to transport Thar coalfield output to power generation facilities, reducing reliance on costly road transport.
Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank have simultaneously agreed on timely completion of documentation for ML-1 implementation, signalling multilateral financing alignment with the ECNEC decision. The coordinated approvals represent a meaningful acceleration of Pakistan's long-stalled strategic infrastructure pipeline.
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