LAHORE – Experts from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) visited the 480-kilometre railway stretch from Karachi to Rohri on Saturday to assess its potential for future investment. This critical section is part of Pakistan’s long-awaited Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway upgradation project, which aims to modernise the country’s outdated railway infrastructure. Led by ADB Chief Transport Planner Sangyoon Kim, the inspection team included Pakistan Railways’ top engineers, divisional superintendents, and infrastructure specialists. The group closely examined the track conditions and discussed challenges that could affect the feasibility of financing the first phase of the ML-1 project. Meetings with senior railway officials and Chinese engineers are also planned to gather more insights. The ADB is preparing a detailed report to determine whether it should fund the Karachi-Rohri portion of ML-1. This section is crucial for improving freight movement, especially for transporting coal from Thar and accessing mineral resources like those in Reko Diq. Moreover, faster and more efficient rail services would significantly enhance economic activity across major trade routes. Although the ML-1 project was first proposed in the early 2000s, its progress stalled due to political instability and limited financing. Momentum picked up again after the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in 2015. However, China later showed hesitation in fully funding ML-1, citing economic concerns and delays in other CPEC-related ventures. Initially estimated at $6.8 billion, the cost of the ML-1 project has fluctuated due to design changes, currency depreciation, and economic challenges. The current estimate stands at around $6.6 billion, though further revisions may occur. The entire ML-1 route spans over 1,870 kilometres, linking Karachi to Peshawar and connecting over 90 railway stations. With China pulling back, Pakistan is now looking toward international lenders like the ADB for support. While no final decision has been made, the recent inspection signals strong interest. Officials believe that a well-structured proposal, combined with efficient project management, could convince the ADB to fund either all or part of the railway overhaul.