Islamabad: Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid on Wednesday stated that the ML-1 project tender was expected by the end of the ongoing month (August), a news source reported. He added that the railway track would undergo change after 150 years since its construction in 1886.
According to the details revealed, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) had already approved the ML-1 project. Recently, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan also directed the authorities concerned to add the Peshawar-Torkham section to this project.
As per sources, ML-1 is a major component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It comprises up-gradation of the existing 2,655km-long track of Pakistan Railways. The project will also include the development of a dry port near Havelian. To complete the initiative, both the governments of Pakistan and China will provide the required funds.
Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of a new block for Rawalpindi Women University, Rashid revealed that the ML-1 project tender would be issued by August 31. The total cost of the railway modernisation project is set at USD 6.8 billion.
