Pakistan to begin $2B ML-1 rail project in July 2026, targeting completion by Dec 2028 to support Reko Diq.

Pakistan plans to start construction on the Karachi-Rohri section of the ML-1 railway in July 2026, backed by a $2 billion Asian Development Bank loan, with completion targeted before December 2028 to support the Reko Diq project. Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized timely delivery, quality, and realistic funding for key infrastructure projects under PSDP 2025–26, including upgrades to 884 km of Main Line-3 and the Rs53.7 billion Thar Coal Railway by June 2026. The Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway and Karakoram Highway Phase 2 are prioritized for completion by 2028. The National Highway Authority will submit a three-year funding plan and implement fortnightly progress reports. Major water projects like Dasu, Diamer-Bhasha, and Mohmand Dams, along with Karachi’s K-IV water supply, are under review, with the Mohmand Dam highlighted for flood control and power generation.