Islamabad is excited as the Ministry for Planning has officially announced the imminent inauguration of the highly-anticipated Main Line (ML-1) project. Scheduled for the near future, this groundbreaking initiative promises to transform Pakistan’s transportation landscape.
According to recent reports, preparations for the grand inauguration are in full swing. It has been revealed that the ML-1 project, which the nation has eagerly awaited, will be unveiled in February of the upcoming year. The strategic timing of this inauguration is noteworthy, as it is strategically planned to precede the general elections slated for February 8, a date set by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
This move is seen as an effort to ensure the project’s launch before the caretaker Prime Minister concludes his term in office.
Sources within the Planning Commission have disclosed that the honorable caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, is poised to officiate the inauguration ceremony. Furthermore, the revised ML-1 plan is expected to receive approval from the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) and the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in January, adding to the project’s anticipation.
Officials from the Secretary Railway, Planning Commission, and the National Highway Authority (NHA) have received directives to expedite the finalization of arrangements by January. This directive underscores the government’s commitment to seeing the ML-1 project through to fruition without any delays.
In terms of financing, the revised ML-1 plan comes with a substantial price tag of USD 6.7 billion, further emphasizing its significance. This budget is divided into three phases, with USD 2.7 billion allocated for phase one, USD 2.6 billion for phase two, and USD 1.4 billion for phase three, as detailed by the Planning Commission.
The scope of the ML-1 project encompasses the construction of railway tracks spanning from Kemari to Hyderabad, Hyderabad to Multan, Multan to Lahore, Lahore to Lalamusa, and Nawabshah to Rohri, promising to connect major cities and regions across the country.
Excitingly, it has been disclosed that Chinese authorities, who have been actively involved in this transformative project, are poised to present the approved ML-1 plan to Pakistan in the coming week. This international collaboration showcases the significance and global interest in the ML-1 project, which is poised to usher in a new era of connectivity, economic growth, and development in Pakistan.
In conclusion, the upcoming inauguration of the ML-1 project is a momentous occasion for Pakistan. With meticulous planning, political determination, and international collaboration, this project is poised to redefine the nation’s transportation landscape and contribute significantly to its progress and development. The anticipation is palpable, and the future looks promising as Pakistan prepares to embark on this transformative journey.