ML-1 project agreement concluded with ADB

Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, the Federal Minister for Pakistan Railways, has declared that a deal for the ML-1 project has been concluded with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), characterizing it as a significant advancement in modernizing the nation’s rail infrastructure.

During a meeting in Islamabad with Defence Secretary Lieutenant General Muhammad Ali, Minister Hanif Abbasi announced that definitive actions are being implemented to expedite the project’s completion.

Secretary of the Power Division, Dr. Fakhar Alam Irfan, and Major General Farrukh Shehzad Rao, Director General of the National Logistics Cell, also attended the meeting.

Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi announced the establishment of Pakistan’s inaugural Safe and Smart Railway Station in Rawalpindi, equipped with a 24/7 Artificial Intelligence-based monitoring system and 184 advanced surveillance cameras, hence enhancing security and monitoring capabilities.

In the context of a comprehensive digitization initiative, he stated that a Rail Tag system has been implemented to facilitate real-time monitoring of trains and rolling stock, a measure designed to enhance transparency and efficiency.

He also stated that a new weighbridge has been inaugurated in Karachi to mitigate overloading, which officials anticipate would enhance revenue, safeguard railway infrastructure, and improve safety.

The ministry reports that over 70 percent of passenger traffic is now supported by complimentary Wi-Fi at key stations across the country, and ATMs have been put at various sites to promote cashless transactions.

Defence Secretary Lieutenant General Muhammad Ali and other senior officials lauded the reform initiatives implemented by the Federal Minister for Railways and applauded his endeavors for the comprehensive enhancement of Pakistan Railways.

At the meeting’s conclusion, it was resolved to fortify institutional collaboration and improve mutual coordination to effectively attain national development goals and public welfare objectives in accordance with the Prime Minister’s vision.